Issue 217 by The Asian Today

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DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE No.217

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A Tribute to Junaid Jamshed!

DANGAL Dangal is set to release on the 23rd

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THE IDEA THAT BROUGHT DANGAL TO LIFE It was back in 2012 when Olympic wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat appeared in a leading newspaper, and caught the eye of creative executive, Divya Rao. Inspired by the story of Phogat’s decision to train his two daughters in wrestling, Divya began storyboarding a tale on the Phogat. When Rao first pitched Dangal’s story to the UTV team, they instantly fell in love with the inspirational story. Nitesh Tiwari, who was chosen to pen and direct the movie, instantly set off to meet Phogat and his wrestler-daughters. Once they agreed to tell their story, UTV approached none other

than Aamir Khan to essay the character of Mahavir Singh on the big screen. The story of Dangal revolves around the extraordinary life of Phogat, an ex-wrestler who never accomplished his dream of winning an international gold medal. Forced to give up his dreams due to financial pressures, Phogat resolves that his would be son would realize his dream. However, destiny has other plans. Over almost two decades, he is blessed with four children, all girls, and Phogat loses hope. But when one day, his elderst daughter Geeta, at 14 years old, and her sibling Babita, now 12 years old, bash up some

boys for teasing them, he realizes that his daughters have what it takes to be worldclass wrestlers. Hope kicks back in- after all, a gold medal is a gold medal whether a boy wins it or a girl. What follows is a relentless pursuit of Phogat, over a period of 10 years, in making his daughters world-class wrestlers. He leaves no stone unturned, training them with boys, like boys, to beat boys in various local village wrestling tournaments. He makes sure they don’t just fight, but fight to win. Set against all odds, the story explores his grit and determination and the Phogats' will to never gives up on seeing India win gold.

his year, the world has been saddened by the sudden death of Junaid Jamshed who died in a plane crash on December 7th in Havelian, Pakistan. The former singersongwriter, television star and fashion designer was one of the biggest names in Asian stardom before renouncing his former professions and using his platform to become an acclaimed preacher. His untimely loss has been felt all over the world. Jamshed, 52, who was awarded a Medal of Excellence by the President of Pakistan, was on board with his wife and children. There has been an outpouring of grief for the humanitarian, with many taking to social media to express their grief for the beloved star. Actor Fakhr-r-Alam tweeted: “Dear Junaid, I shall cherish all our memories together. Prayers for your final journey. Till we meet again." Urwa Hocane, model and actress, tweeted: "Saddened beyond words! Rest in peace Junaid Jamshed and all

the people who were on board!” Jamshed first shot to fame as part of the band Vital Signs, whose album ‘Vital Signs 1’ gained international attention for their hit tracks Dil Dil Pakistan and Tum Mil Gaye. In fact, it was Vital Signs who paved the way for Pakistan’s rock music industry of today. Afterwards, Jamshed went on to release three solo albums, Junaid of Vital Signs, Us Rah Par and Dil Ki Baat. In the 2000s, Junaid took another path and developed a fashion line with a friend, as well as turning his life to Islam. In 2004, he officially committed his life to Islam and became a globally recognised cleric and preacher. He was praised for his work with NGO Muslim Charity and was listed by The Muslim 500 as one of the "World's Most Influential Muslims" for his dedication and extensive charity work. Jamshed’s reputation in the Pakistani music industry will hold forever, and what the world has lost in generosity and artistry, it has not lost in influence.

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Birmingham Airport Best in Britain - PG 33

The Idea That Bought Dangal to Life - PG 23

IT'S MORE THAN JUST CHRISTMAS

hile people have been waiting anxiously to see the new Christmas adverts from different stores and departments, such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer,

Amazon quietly released their very own 2016 advert. Following the story of two old friends, one being an Imam and the other a Vicar, we get to watch the two elderly men enjoy a cup of tea and each other’s company.

This then continues on to letting the viewers see how they have both ordered one another a present after complaining about knee pain. Amusingly enough, they both had the same thought and bought each other the same

gift, being knee pads. The men are then shown in their different places of worship, a Mosque and a Church, both down on their knees praying and wearing the knee pads. Continued on Page 2

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‘We think it is a legitimate story. We are conscious that some people may be sensitive to it. It is about selflessness and thinking of other people.’

Continued from Front Page While this advert showed no direct signs of Christmas such as Santa or Christmas trees, it did send us a message of what Christmas should really be about: being selfless. Amazons advertising director, Simon Morris, has said that they decided to opt for actual people rather than actors for the Christmas ad. After getting help from the Church of England, the Muslim Council of Great Britain and the Christian Muslim Forum, they decided on using a real life Imam and Vicar.

The advert starring Little Venice Vicar Rev Gary Bradley and Imam Zubeir Hassam, has now gone viral and has been viewed over 1 million times. The success of the advert has caused many to take to social media to express their love for the message. Simon Morris has explained, ‘We think it is a legitimate story. We are conscious that some people may be sensitive to it. It is about selflessness and thinking of other people.’ Also, adding why they went to such lengths to speak to many people for this idea,

‘We wanted it to do well and be respectful to the religions that are featured in it.’ Although it may not follow the conventional ideas of a Christmas advert, it tugs on the heart strings sends a festive message of care and tolerance. Ultimately, the message transcends that of buying via Amazon, buying for Christmas and even celebrating Christmas. The take home message of the advert is purely one of compassion, tolerance and unity in a time of ever increasing hostility and ‘otherism.’ The advert tackles

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GRAPHIC/WEB

Birmingham’s Strict New Measures Target Motor Plagues The streets and suburbs of Birmingham have been hit with a new blight in recent years in the form of illegal street racing, cruising and general motor nonsense. Thankfully new measures are being implemented by West Midlands Police that could see such unruliness stamped out. A High Court Order secured by WMP and Birmingham City Council will see those partaking in racing, unauthorised rallies and also acting aggressive on the roads by way of unnecessary revving, wheelies, stunts, horn blaring, music blasting and riding in convoy held in contempt and brought before a judge. These new sanctions will be enforced across all over Birmingham. Similar sanctions are already in place in Solihull and the Black Country. The Head of the Central Motorway Police Group and West Midlands Police Superintendent Dean Hatton said: “This latest move is all part of Operation Hercules – a real collaborative approach involving traffic cops, local officers, and neighbouring forces to tackle motorists and bikers who pose a danger to other road users. “We’ve taken strong action

in the past on street racers, with hundreds taken to court, banned from the roads and handed hefty fines. But recently we have started to see groups of bikers – many on scramblers and mini moto’s – causing a nuisance on our streets, pulling wheelies and intimidating other drivers. “This injunction will cover all aspects of anti-social motoring – including people who organise or promote road cruising events – and people need to realise it’s not acceptable and they could end up in court.” Signs will be erected in major landmark and high traffic areas, including the A38, A45, and A47 Fort Parkway. Councillor Waseem Zaffar, a cabinet member of Transparency, Openness and Equality in Birmingham, said: “We take street racing very seriously as innocent lives are at risk. Anyone who races on Birmingham’s roads needs to know they will be prosecuted, are likely to lose their licence, face a fine running into thousands of pounds and possibly imprisonment. “We will also consider tenancy enforcement action for tenants or family members identified as being offenders in breach of this injunction.”

many media perpetuated stereotypes regarding Islam, that Muslims cannot be friends with other faiths and that Muslims are insular and isolated. Furthermore, it shows that Christians and those of other faiths do not all see Muslims in the negative light they are often portrayed in. Removing Christmas from the equation, the advert highlights the brotherhood and kinship shared between people of all races, religions and backgrounds. Since the success of the Amazon advert, Vicar Rev Gary Bradley and Imam Zubeir Hassam came together again for another good cause, this being The Big Food Drive organised by Muslim Aid. The new advert sees the interfaith duo donning their winter wear and collecting food into a box to donate and has been viewed on Facebook more than 30,000 times. Given the year 2016 has been, with a rise in far right groups, the election of Trump, a spate of hate crimes, it’s fitting these two compassionate and generous individuals of differing faith should help us ring in the New Year and look forward to a brighter 2017.

Charity scheme sees restaurant feeding the growing number of homeless.

• Raj Rana (Managing Director of Itihaas)

his month saw Birmingham take up a new challenge to help the homeless community during the winter months. Let’s Feed Brum is a community initiative that seeks to pool the resources of 30 different restaurants to feed the homeless for each night of the month. Currently, homelessness is one of Birmingham’s biggest plights and the second city has the highest rates of homelessness in the country. The first restaurant to join the campaign was local Indian eatery Itihaas, which teamed up with local charity Inspiration Support , and together they took fresh, hot food to the needy. The restaurant will also be cooking for the homeless each night of the week. Raj Rana, the managing director of Itihaas, said: “There is a huge population of homeless people in Birmingham; however, there is a larger population of people that can help. When I heard about Inspiration Support’s work, I knew that I wanted Itihaas to get involved. I went out with Ben, the founder of Inspiration Support, and his team of volunteers to see the situation first hand and understand more clearly how we can help. The experience was equally humbling and frustrating: knowing how many people would go hungry without the work of Inspiration Support, and how easy it would be for more people to help, has made me more determined

than ever to be part of the change.” He plans to feed over 100 people a night. The founder of Inspiration Support, Ben Rafiqi, said: “Let’s Feed Brum is exactly what Birmingham has been waiting for and I am so excited to be part of the movement. “Five years ago I went out one night with a flask of coffee and a friend; since then we've grown into a network of committed volunteers that provide sandwiches, hot drinks, essential supplies and friendship to those living on our streets. However, there is still a long way to go and I sincerely hope that Let’s Feed Brum can make this happen.”

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DECEMBER 2016

Stunning 60% Increase in Birmingham Homelessness F

igures of homelessness in Birmingham first began back in December 2012 due to the rising number of people sleeping on the streets. As of June 2016, there has been a huge increase in the number of families without homesinstead being forced to pay for accommodation or being put into B&Bs by the council as a last ditch effort to keep parents and children off the street. There are currently 21 such families in B&Bs, an unprecedented spike considering there were zero as of June 2015. However, the data only takes into consideration families who have been placed in B&Bs and those who have been in such places for six weeks or more. As such, the true figure could be even higher. Altogether, the stats showed that there are 58,180 homeless families in England. A 60% increase since 2010. Jon Sparks, Chief executive of Crisis, a Homeless charity, told the BBC:

"More and more people are finding themselves in desperate circumstances. Prevention is better than cure, and for homeless people this is especially so. "It has already been shown to work in Wales. We now need similar change in England. The Homelessness Reduction Bill currently making its way through Parliament aims to do just that." Birmingham City Council is currently working on tackling its homeless issue through directing homeless people towards helpful services and benefits. A spokesman said, “"We have also commissioned services that target different groups - whether youth, victims of domestic abuse, former offenders, entrenched rough sleepers.”

In a bizzare move, the South Tyneside has imposed a £100 fine for those caught begging for food or change. Posters put up threaten that those those drinking or begging could be fined a fixed penalty if doing so within an area covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). It is not known how the homeless will be expected to pay the fine, and many in South Tyneside have protested against the fine, launching a petition that calls for the council to ‘treat the homeless with respect and dignity.’

Prevention is better than cure.

Homeless Brum Homelessness is on the rise...

he number of homeless people and homeless families in Birmingham has soared in the past year since Brexit and the reduction of government grants to get dwellers off the street. Homeless people can be seen everywhere in Birmingham, from the Mailbox all the way through New Street to Digbeth.

Frozen fate for 30-Year-Old One homeless man has died after freezing to death on the coldest night of the year. The 30-year-old was found in a car park entrance on John Bright Street in Birmingham city centre after being spotted by a local in the Victoria pub. On Tuesday 6th December, temperatures plummeted to -6C, the coldest of the year, leaving those homeless stranded in the blistering cold. After news broke, there was mass anger at the conditions that allowed it to happen. Worse yet, CCTV

Council to Fine Beggars

Demolitions mean more homeless on the streets The destruction of old buildings such as the Central Library and ATV Studios has led to an extra influx of homeless people on the streets. Many of these buildings acted as shelters for these people, with many hiding out of sight behind the old Paradise Forum or under the Central Library. With these buildings now bulldozed for regeneration, the homeless have been forced to return to the streets. Peter Griffiths, Birmingham’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Increasing numbers of rough sleepers are becoming evident, partly because of the improvements in the city and the number of building sites which previously concealed rough sleepers.”

Satistics •

According to Crisis.org, government stats showed that in 2015, 3568 people slept rough on any one night across England. This is double the amount compared to 2010.

•

114,790 households applied for homelessness assistance in 2015-2016- an 11% rise since 2010-2011.

•

In 2016, Birmingham made 1466 homeless applications compared to Manchester’s 607, Croydon’s 602 and Newham’s 556.

•

Local councils denied 16% of homeless applications in 2016 as they were deemed ‘intentionally homeless’ and 11% were ‘not in priority need.’

• The body of a homeless man was found 'frozen to death' by the NCP car park

footage shows the final moments of the man- him being mugged. In the video, a figure shines a light into the man's pockets as he slumps against the wall. On a blanket in the corner is someone injecting themselves. Winter is often the worst month for the homeless, with long nights and bitter cold leaving them vulnerable to attack and exposure. There has been an outpouring of support for the deceased homeless man, with many leaving tributes for him.

2,800 people in Birmingham are officialy listed as 'homeles

DECEMBER 2016

Enquiry Calls for Three Million Migrants to be made Permanent

• MP Gisela Stuart A Birmingham MP has concluded that three million people from the EU should be allowed permanent residence in the UK but that this policy should be cut off once when the UK triggers Article 50. MP Gisela Stuart said those arriving after such a point should then be subject to immigration controls. Stuart gained notoriety after chairing the “leave” campaign during the referendum. The enquiry also called on the government to make a clear and public comment regarding the three million immigrants, offering them permanent residence as well as health, social and educational rights equal to those of British citizens. The enquiry also argued that the process of applying for permanent residence be simplified, given the large amount of red tape currently in place. It added that without such steps, it would take up to 150 years to process all EU nationals’ applications. Ms Stuart said: “Our Inquiry found that people from different sides of the referendum and politics can quite easily agree on practical, straightforward ways to ensure that EU nationals can stay in Britain with their rights protected. That’s right thing to do and something that most voters agree with too.” “We determined that the triggering of Article 50 should be the cut-off date, after which EU citizens moving to the UK would not be entitled to stay permanently after Brexit. This would limit any ‘pull factor’ for EU citizens not already in the UK. “Britain should make clear at the start of the Brexit negotiations that EU citizens already here before that date can stay. This would send a clear signal about the kind of country the UK will be after Brexit and the relationship we want with Europe. We should expect reciprocal deals for Britons living in European countries, but Britain should make the first move to demonstrate good will.”

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Police Chase Boy Racing with Child in Backseat A 30 year old motorist was pulled over in the Nechelles area by police after having been caught speeding 90mph. The driver wasn’t alone in the vehicle and was accompanied by a 43 year old and more surprisingly had a child in the backseat of the car. The Mg Rover driver was the first person who was reported as apparently breaking the injunction, which bans street racing and car cruising in Birmingham and surrounding areas. The child in the back seat of the car was identified as being the drivers 13 year old daughter. The alleged offender will now be summoned and have to appear before

Birmingham County Court and will also face suspected speeding offences in the criminal courts. The new injunction, named Operation Hercules, is seen as being the most effective way of tightening down on boy racers. This 3 year order means that anyone who is caught participating in, or even watching street races take place, will face consequences of being fined or even being jailed for two years. Operation Hercules doesn’t just stop there though. It also includes the ban of performing stunts, revving engines, and even playing loud music at car meet ups. The order was in effect as of the end of October and also covers the Solihull area as well as Birmingham.

Birmingham Student Jailed over ‘Abuse’ Video Blackmail A

n eighteen-yearold has been jailed after blackmailing a fourteen-year-old girl into giving him her family jewellery or facing a video of her abuse being released on Facebook. Mohammed Luqman, from Balsall Heath, is accused of sexually exploiting the victim over a period of months. The student recorded her being sexually abused and threatened to release said videos on Facebook unless she stole for him. After handing over her family jewellery as well as her iPhone, the student revealed the incident to teachers who got the police involved. Luqman was arrested in early 2015 and plead guilty to two counts of blackmail in October 2016 for blackmailing two girls. He has since been sentenced to Birmingham Youth Court where he is to serve six months of youth custody for his two offences. In addition, he was made to pay a £20 surcharge for each victim and is to stay away from both victims for the next five years. Many are accusing the courts of being too lenient on the Luqman, who was sixteen at the time of the offences. Furthermore, Luqman has not been charged for any sexual offences. The fourteenyear-old victim’s mother has lambasted the police for a series of blunders, which included officers losing a phone holding the abuse

Eighteen year old jailed for threatening to release a sexual abuse video of the victim if she did not steal for him • Mohammed Luqman

"My daughter said she would be taken to parks and was then told to get undressed. Yet she felt that police have not really believed her throughout..."

footage and not questioning Luqman for five months. The police have blamed delays on the victim for refusing to initially give a statement. The victim’s mother said: “It’s been horrible. When my daughter found out that noone was being charged with any sexual offence, she was crying and screaming. My daughter said she would be taken to parks and was then told to get undressed. Yet she felt that police have not really believed her throughout. “Barnado’s is helping her as is her support worker, while the neighbourhood police have been around every other week because she has been scared that people are following her and sending messages through social media. “She has gone downhill, become a person who does not want to go out, she is isolated at home. She used to love going to school and her friends coming over and going out and all that has gone. “We were kept apart from the second family throughout the case. But we met them on the day he was sentenced and the second girl’s Dad was very angry too. Luqman has ruined two lives.”

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Karen Shanley trading as Birmingham Concrete Ltd is applying for a licence to use Unit 1A, Sapcote Business centre, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0HR as an operating centre for 4 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

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Free Transport for Brummy Teens

Birmingham may soon be offering free bus passes to teenagers and youngsters thanks to a possible scheme that could be implemented by the future West Midlands’ mayor, a vote which will be decided come May 2017. All four candidates for the mayoral position have been challenged by the West Midlands Unison Trade to back free transport for those sixteen to nineteen. It is claimed this would help those young people access education and training without having to worry about funds and travel costs. Labour’s Siôn Simon and Lib Dem Beverley Nielsen both agreed to the scheme whilst Andy Street of the Conservative party simply said “watch this space”. Ms Nielsen said: “Under 19s should have free transport’ whilst rival Simon said: “This is the kind of thing we ought to be doing, subsidising transport.”

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Pulling women out of the woodwork...

Womens Summit M

onday 31st November saw the Inspiring Birmingham Women in Leadership summit held at the Birmingham Council House. This rousing event was dedicated to pulling women out of the woodwork and encouraging them to grasp the keys to their own life. Speakers at the event included MP Jess Phillips, Councillor Waseem Zaffar and Shaz Manir from the Amirah Foundation. The day started off with a welcoming speech by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Carl Rice, and was followed by a speech by Councillor Waseem Zaffar. The Cllrs speech brought light to some disturbing data: Birmingham women earn on average £5000 less than men and Birmingham has the lowest percentage of women not in work (second only to London. Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, described the need for a “structural response to a structural problem.” A speaker at the Summit, she described how the Shadow Secretary for Education was once dismissed as just Ed Miliband’s typist and how a false blame was put on minorities for the failure of the white working class as opposed to a crumbling economy.

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• Jess Phillips (Labour MP)

The Summit also tackled the issues within minorities themselves. For example, imposter syndrome. According to Philips, many women psych themselves out of applying for jobs whereas men are far more likely to apply- even to women only jobs. As Jackie Casey went on to say, everyone suffers from unconscious bias, even in changing times. Casey, who

works in Construction, and Manufacturing, explained how the changing face of construction did nothing to help stereotypes. Despite much of construction now happening off site, being more technical as opposed to physical and less weather affected, women are still locked out of the industry thanks to their gender. There were numerous workshops taking place at the Summit, revolving around opportunities barriers and diversity. Another speaker was Shaz Manir from the Amirah Foundation who spoke on the struggles of Muslim women specifically. It’s a highly disappointing fact that Muslim women are among the highest for economic inactivity. According to Cllr Zaffar, many women, especially Muslim women, are taken out of education at an early age, resulting in a lack of qualifications and job success. When we asked Cllr Zaffar what role ethnicity had to play in women’s politics, he affirmed that though ethnicity plays a separate role to gender, they are very much connected. “In many South Asian communities, and Muslim communities, some women are discouraged from leadership roles and careers.” He added that black women also suffer from a lack of leadership positions. There was a prominent lack of men at the women’s summit- unfortunate given it is men that will be able to unlock the doors to women’s success as they currently hold the power, something that the Mark Rogers, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, who gave the closing remarks of the day also picked up on. He added that Birmingham will be doing all it can to raise those on the lowest rungs, women and ethnic minorities, and that they are committed to the growth of women in leadership.

The Jingle Bell Jog Returns for 2016 Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice invited participants to join in with the festivities in its annual Christmas fun run. Sprinting into its third year, the Jingle Bell Jog returned to Kings Heath park on December 4. All joggers received a free Santa suit and bushy white beard to don while they completed the 2km route. At the finish line, they were greeted with a medal as well as a festive mince pie. Christmas is a vital fundraising period for the organisation that provides a range of free services at its base in Selly Oak, as well as people’s homes and

in the local community across Birmingham and Sandwell. Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides support to over 1,200 individuals and their families, carers and loved ones each year, costing £8million, with over half of the running costs coming from voluntary incomes. Hamish Shilliday, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “The Jingle Bell Jog is the perfect opportunity for people to show their support for the Hospice at this festive time. Your generosity paired with the dedication of our excellent staff and volunteers helps us to

continue to provide well-needed care all year round." With a special appearance from the Grinch and the big man himself on the day, the aim was to help him fall back in love

with Christmas. The jog kicked off the Hospice’s annual ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign, a jampacked range of activities set to drive support for the hospice during the Christmas period.

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Machete Attack on Mother and Baby.

On December 6th police officers were called to Hales Lane in Smethwick at 6:30pm where they found a nineteen year old male with severe injuries. Not long after this took place, at 7:35pm a 35-yearold woman and her 2-yearold son were also attacked at a house on Penley Grove, Washwood Heath. Both were rushed to hospital where the child was treated for minor injuries,

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whereas the mother was getting treated for serious injuries. Officers are trying to establish whether it was the same man who carried out both attacks, as the suspect was seen near both addresses. A 35-year-old man and 40-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They were later released on police bail.

Brummy students, Tell Mama and Bham

he Birmingham Council House played host to Councillor Waseem Zaffar, students from multiple different Birmingham schools and Tell Mama, an anti-hate crime organisation. The day saw 150 students of different ages discussing and debating the different types of hate crime and coming up with solutions to tackle it. The day gave students a chance to engage with the political sphere of their city as well as tackle social and political issues throughout schools and wider society. The schools taking part included Arthur Terry High School, Rockwood Academy, Lordswood School, Hamstead Hall Academy and Eden Boys School. They received an insightful explanation as to the Council, with regards to how debates are run, the purpose of the council and how it works. Following up was a presentation by Iman Abou Atta, the director of Tell Mama. She explained the aims of the organisation, which functions as a third party calling centre for people to voice any hate crimes. Iman’s powerful presentation brought to light chilling experiences of discrimination as well as

prejudice that might often go unnoticed. In particular, she gave two stories about the perils of hate crime. One involved Sports Direct barring Jewish boys from entering the store. Another involved a young Muslim girl working for the Savoy hotel who received humiliating discrimination from the staff and was told to work in the back room to avoid being seen by customers. It elicited a range of emotions from the students; shock, anger, confusion. Iman brought to light all the different types of discrimination: gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, appearance, dialect, social class and more. The children were articulate and well engaged, offering their own reasoning as to why hate crime exists. Iman called the students “highly engaging” and added “they’re well aware of what hate crime is and I suppose hate crime and bullying intersect and they’re part of each other. What we can see is that there’s so much hate crime taking place in schools and I hope this session brings more awareness to young kids so they know how they can stand up against it and tackle it.” When asked about racist jokes, often time dismissed as ‘playful banter’ among

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Council work towards hate crime solution students and online, one student from Eden Boys Schools said: “they’re really bad as they can promote people to carry on [discriminating] and can turn a little joke into a massive thing.” Another student said “we learned about hate crime and how it needs to be stopped, and racism and discrimination and all these things are corrupting our society and we need to get rid of them.” Conversations inevitably turned to Brexit and Trump, with one student asking Councillor Zaffar what the Council plans to do regarding the 14% increase in racist attacks following the referendum. Zaffar replied: “What we’re doing is exactly what we’ve done today, talking about it. There are simple things that we need to do and talking like we’ve talked today

starts the process.” After the event, we asked the Councillor how he would use the information gathered today. He replied: “we’re going through a process of reorganising the hate crime partnership and having an action plan focused on key activities that will help us eradicate hate crime. The contribution made by the children today will go into that particular piece of work that we’re doing, and when the hate crime plan is published, it will include some of the activities the young people said we need to include.” He added that; “it’s important that people are aware of the services and the processes and systems that exist. The gap between the system, politicians, politics and the people is huge and when you get to young people, it’s far bigger. The only way we’re going to close that

gap is by inviting young people and communities into the council house, informing the young and educating them and allowing them to participate in the process, and for me, today has also been about increasing the democratic participation of the community.” When asked why Birmingham was the least affected by hate crime out of the all the cities in the UK, Zaffar explained: “Birmingham is an incredible place, it’s a warm, friendly, tolerant community. In a city of 1.1 million people, we’ve got people that have come to Birmingham from over 180 counties and they very quickly feel at home. I also feel that if we stand still and don’t empower our kids and communities then, through the media, they listen to the Farages and Trumps of this world and we need to provide an alternative.”

ham City Council Smash Hate Crime

West Midlands Arts and Culture Hit Hard by Cuts

According to recent data published by Black Country MP Tom Watson, the West Midlands has suffered the biggest slash in funding in the country, with culture, heritage and arts losing £24 million in the last six years. The Labour party has blamed the central government for making huge cuts in the grants given to local authorities. Birmingham City Council plans to save a further £250 million over the next four years. These cuts will see museums, theatres, art galleries, community art projects, cultural and art organisations and other similar institutions all affected. Creatively, things look even bleaker given Brexit will strip the UK of access to an EU grant scheme known as the Creative Europe Programme. This programme has been the backbone of 230 UK cultural and creative organisations as well as audiovisual institutions.

Tom Watson said: “The UK’s rich artistic and cultural heritage is the envy of the world and something everyone in this country can be proud of. While Labour made the landmark decision to make our national museums to the public free of charge, opening up access to millions, new figures we’ve obtained have shown that arts and culture funding has been cut by £165 million since the Tories came to power with local councils and arts organisations now set to lose out on millions more when we leave the EU. “If the Government is going to make a success of Brexit and

"This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s world-class arts and culture..." create a ‘country that works for everyone’ it must create a country that works for the arts too. Culture and the arts are too important to this country and its soft power to neglect them like this." However a government source told the Birmingham Post that: “This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s world-class arts and culture, which is why we are investing £1.1 billion through Arts Council England between 2015 and 2018.”

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Teenager Commits Suicide JAS SANSI The Thinking Man's Mouthpiece Over A-Levels Results Photographer and LoveBrum trustee, Jas Sansi brings a dose of all things Birmingham. With an unprecedented love of the city and its unique diverseness, he brings his 6-foot passion to The Asian Today.

Death, the price we pay for Life.

I wish to devote my column this month to the difficult subject of death. It is the one thing that unites all of humanity; the cold harsh truth that our time on earth is limited. It is a difficult subject for families to talk about and one that haunts me this week. Death is our final act on earth. Our lifeless bodies are rendered empty vessels and placed under the guardianship of loved ones at a time of great vulnerability and stress. It is at times like this, brave friends step forward. Death at the end of a long life surrounded by a legacy of family and friends stands in contrast to life that has ended prematurely. The tragedy of dying young leaves a barren landscape that mocks lost opportunity. So much was there to do, so little time to do it. I refuse to leave anyone, giving me their valuable time to read this, with negative thoughts. We die because we lived. We leave because

we arrived. The miracle of conception, development inside the wombs of our mothers and the joy of birth means we came into this world with the odds stacked against us, and yet here we are, and here we were. Death is the price we all pay for the opportunity to make something of ourselves, to build connections to the people around us and shape our communities. It is a price worth paying. To allow regret to close our eye lids for the last time is something we should all strive to banish. Seize the day, surround yourself with positive people, allow laughter to silence the footsteps of death when it’s unwelcome hand touches you. And it will one day touch you and me. Live while you can, love when you can. Our legacy will echo across the tomorrows we ourselves will never see. Do not allow death to have the final word.

JAS SANSI TWITTER: @jassansi FACEBOOK: fb.com/jassansi

“Highachieving” teenager jumped off a cliff after failing to get into university of choice...

he body of an 18-year-old girl was discovered at the bottom of a cliff on August 19th 2016 by police. Harpreet Kaur Hallaith is believed to have jumped to her death over disappointment at her A-level results. The student at Wolverhampton Girls’ High School was hoping for two A* grades and one A in order to secure her first choice of University, Durham, where she was to study Russian and History. However on results day, she learned via email that she had achieved one A and two B’s, and as such would not be accepted. Harpreet then left the house, “stressed,” and told her family she was going for a walk at 2.30pm. When she didn’t return hours later, she was reported missing. At the inquest, PC David Ziola, from West Mercia Police, said: "Police were called after Jamie Wood and Tom Vaughan located a black jacket, a mobile phone and a letter on the top of a cliff. The letter indicated an intention to potentially take her own life. Searches were ongoing through the evening. ‘At 10.10am on October 19, a dog handler located a

female body which matched Harpreet’s description. Officers could not find a pulse on the body. Harpreet had put herself under a lot of pressure to get good A-Level results. She confirmed to her best friend via text message that she was disappointed by her results.’ Her mother, Mrs. Hallaith, a social worker said: ‘Harpreet seemed a bit

stressed and low about her coursework and upcoming A-Levels...When she got her results she achieved one A and two Bs. Harpreet was upset at the results and we talked about it for a while. ‘Harpreet decided to go to her room for a while, we all kept checking on her. At around 2.30pm Harpreet said she was going out for a walk.

She had only been gone a matter of 10 minutes when she returned. ‘She said she had forgotten her phone and she also need some change. After 15 minutes I heard her go again. Later I decided to call her on her phone and it went to voicemail. As time went on I became more concerned where she was... "I contacted police to report her missing. Some of her belongings had been found in Bridgnorth. Upon thinking about it, I made the connection that she liked to go to the area. This was a spot she liked to visit to think about things. ‘I made my way to Bridgnorth. A police officer arrived at the car park, he informed me that a body had been found. I can’t think what Harpreet was thinking that day but I can’t think she really intended to take her own life.’

Community Cycle Club Launches in Handsworth Handsworth Beat the Street Community Cycling Club launched in Handsworth on Tuesday 8th November. The event, which took place in Handsworth Wellbeing Centre, gave recognition to those who have already passed their Levels One and Two Cycling Award and welcomed newcomers to the challenge. The launch, which involved various organisations including Beat the Street, Big Birmingham

Bikes, Cycling UK (the national cycling charity), Birmingham Wellbeing Service and Handsworth Community, presented each woman who had passed their Level Two Award with a new BBB bike and a certificate. The sessions, which have had over sixty women attend, were launched after Beat the Street consulted participants at their awards day in April. Beat the Street, with the

support of Handsworth Community, actively promoted the sessions in the community. There were commnents from several of those involved. Simon Wade, who manages the Handsworth Community Facebook Page: “We’ve spent lots of time trying to bring the community together in an active way and it’s so great to see it’s finally happened.” Sam Sahdra, aged 61, who is an active

member of the cycling club: “When I first started, I didn’t know how to ride a bike and now I’m a ride leader. It’s important we continue to encourage all the ladies here today to join us.” Bryn Lewis, Cycling Project Officer: “Beat the Street wanted to establish a legacy in Handsworth to encourage people to be active in the local area. The initiative is part of the partnership between

Big Birmingham Bikes and Cycling UK to help cyclists gain ownership of up to 16 Cycling Hubs around the city.” The event was an opportunity for all those involved to support and encourage each other in both their achievements and ambitions. For further information about the Cycling Club and how you can join contact Simon Wade at handsworthbtsccc@ gmail.com

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Birmingham Motors to Pay for Park Pollution? Proposed idea would see pollution fuelling motorists pay towards protection of parks

Ranjit Virdee, infection control nurse at Heartlands Hospital, gives advice on norovirus. With Christmas almost here, many people are looking forward to the festive season. To make sure you stay bug free ready for the party season, here’s some useful information on norovirus and tips on how to avoid it. Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus can affect people of all ages and is highly contagious. The disease can be caught at anytime of the year although more people become ill with norovirus during winter. It can easily be spread through direct contact with an infected person, eating contaminated food and drinks or contact with a contaminated surface. Norovirus may start with a sudden sick feeling followed by forceful vomiting and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps or aching limbs. If you are worried and think you may have the virus, contact your local GP. Outbreaks in congregated areas such as hospitals and schools are common because the virus can survive for several days on surfaces or objects touched by an infected person. Hospital outbreaks are often caused by visitors bringing norovirus into the hospital because they don’t realise they can pass it on to others once they feel better. So what can you do to avoid catching norovirus? You should avoid direct contact with an infected

person for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. Also avoid any food prepared by the person during this time. Good hygiene and following simple steps such as washing your hands before preparing food and disinfecting any surfaces that may have come into contact with norovirus will also help limit the spread of infection. Remember to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water. Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated with the virus. Wash the items separately and on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed. There are no known treatments for norovirus. Rather than seeing your doctor, it is recommended those affected stay at home and let the illness run its course. The symptoms should disappear within two to three days. Remaining hydrated is very important if you catch norovirus. A healthy adult should be looking to drink around 1.2 litres of fluid daily. Someone who has norovirus will need to drink at least eight glasses of fluid to replace the fluids lost from sickness and diarrhoea. Those suffering from the bug should also take paracetamol to relieve any fevers or aches, drink plenty of water and eat foods that are easy to digest such as soup, rice, pasta and bread. If you would like further information on norovirus, please visit the NHS Choices website (www. nhs.uk).

Are you on Twitter? To find out what is going on around our hospitals, and for latest news and updates follow us @heartofengland. Join our conversation today! Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust staff provides general and specialist hospital care across Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospitals, Good Hope Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic. The Trust also provides community health services across the borough of Solihull. The Trust employs more than 10,000 members of staff, making it one of the top five employers in the Midlands.

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otorist commuters into Birmingham may soon be made to pay a fine in order to protect and maintain Birmingham’s parks. Seeing as motorists enter the city and promote air pollution, they contribute to the detriment of the city’s parks and greenery. Birmingham currently has an astounding 591 parks. The fine would help protect these areas from pollution as well as cut down on congestion. Solihull MP Julian Knight has denounced the idea, saying: “The idea that other parts of the combined authority area should pay for Birmingham parks is plain wrong.” Councillor Lisa Trickett, one of the proposed plan’s advocates and Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, said: “it is quite often the people living in

the shires who drive their cars into my city for employment that creates some of the air pollution.” The increased income could help stave off the effects of park budget cuts, which will see children’s play areas reduced, maintenance reduce and the introduction of car parking charges at a number of different parks. However not all are keen. Mr Knight said: “Motorists already pay huge sums through their road and other taxes. This flight of fancy…is more about Birmingham city council thrashing around for extra money.” He added: “Instead, Labour in Birmingham should be joining with me in trying to come up with a co-ordinated strategy to deal with the constant traveller incursions of our public spaces throughout the West Midlands.”

Couple Giving New House to Asylum Seekers A Birmingham couple has donated a house to a charity in order to be provided as accommodation for asylum seekers. Steph and Matthew Neville, both aged 35, were living in the Christian community at the Carrs Lane church centre in Central Birmingham and saving for a house. However given the recent rise in asylum seekers and the migrant crisis, they decided to remain in the church centre and instead give the house they saved up for to those more needy. Steph, a primary school teacher at St Chads Sanctuary, said that it was her husband who gave her the idea of giving the house to the organisation. She says: “like so many other people, we have been saving for all our working lives with the aim of using our savings to buy a house for ourselves. But when it came to it, we realized there were people who were destitute and desperate and who needed a house more than we did. We don’t need a house because we’ve been living at Carrs Lane Church for three years and are really happy there.” Through St Chads, Steph learnt about the Hope Project,

• Steph and Matthew

which helps asylum seekers find accommodation and also helps them cope with settling into a new country. “Matthew and I will continue to own the house but we have asked Hope to find tenants who will live there. It is the perfect solution because we are investing our money in a property, yet are helping people who literally have nothing,” she added. Not only did they buy them a house, the couple began fundraising in order to be able to pay any of the house bills in the first year. “Whoever moves into the house won’t have any money of their own, so we have managed to raise enough to keep them there for the first year,” Steph said. The couple aren’t disclosing where the house is situated, only that it is located in Birmingham. Steph explains, ‘There are some very negative views of asylum seekers, so we don’t want the house to be targeted and the people to be picked on. “They have suffered enough in their own countries and the journey to get here, we don’t want them subjected to abuse in their new home. We hope what we’re doing will inspire other people in Birmingham to reach out and help asylum seekers. By the time they arrive here they have been through so much, they say to us: ‘we’re here and we’re safe and we’re free- thank you.’

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Ammo Talwar MBE is Appointed Chair of CORE Education Trust

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The Wonder of Learning Written By: Ambreen Khan Director & Senior Academic Performance Coach

Ammo Talwar, a music and arts champion has been appointed to help lead Birmingham-based CORE Education Trust. Ammo Talwar was awarded an MBE in 2008 for his services to music and young people, is now Chair of Directors at CORE Education Trust which runs Rockwood Academy and Nansen Primary School in Alum Rock. Talwar worked tirelessly as a founding board member at CORE Education Trust since its inception in March 2015. Talwar also founded the award-winning music agency Punch and has helped lead major interventions in schools. He is current Chair of national contemporary music touring network Black Routes, while also a Governor of performing arts school Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

The Trust has transformed Rockwood Academy and Nansen Primary and saw both schools removed from special measures in March 2016 and rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Ofsted praised the Trust for its “pioneering partnerships.” Talwar said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chair and am incredibly proud of all the Trust has already achieved in such a short period of time. “We have big plans for the future and a great deal of work to be done to continue to achieve our goal of creating schools that offer students the best opportunities– no matter their background. “Music and arts should be an integral part of curriculums, having the power to transform the lives of young people. I look forward to helping CORE on its journey ensuring children are given the best start in life.”

Meanwhile, lawyer Sabina Kauser has been re-elected as Vice Chair of the Trust’s Board. Ms Kauser, who specialises in immigration, asylum, and human rights matters, is instrumental in overseeing effective governance and scrutiny of the Trust. Adrian Packer, CEO of CORE Education Trust, said: “Ammo Talwar is hugely inspirational and he very much shares the core values and ethos of our Trust, having been there since the beginning and therefore having helped shape what it has become. “Sabina Kauser, Dr Steve Ball and Andy Argyle continue to be crucial in their roles, helping us to maintain our transparency, integrity and quality. “With such a formidable group of people on board, I am confident CORE Education Trust has a very bright future ahead.”

Until 8 pm Indian time on November 8, 2016, nobody in India had an idea of the Tsunami named ‘Demonetization’ that was going to sweep the country in the next few days. The past fortnight has seen both domestic citizens and NRIs in a frenzy over the steps taken by the Modi government to flush out the Indian economy’s black money. We, as a legal firm committed to resolving NRI property issues, have tried our level best to keep our NRI community across the Globe

Personal Energy In recent times levels of confidence in relation to happiness and performance has shown a decreasing trend. Fewer people are less confident in their abilities and because of this, the need to build self-confidence exists within each of us. The need to build self-confidence cannot be minimized, but rather needs to be developed

confidence, you will have difficulties in school, work, and life as an entirety. The nugget here to be learned is that if you don’t have confidence in yourself, no one else will, and for how can we then raise confident children? For example, if you are applying for a job, and the recruiter asks you why they should hire you above anyone else, you

and maintained as it is the cement that binds each of us as an individual person. If we do not have selfconfidence, we cannot believe enough in ourselves to attempt even the most menial task. The question is how to develop children who are students in a highly competitive environment and raise them to be successful adults? In developing self -confidence, a person needs

need confidence in yourself to answer that with high self – regard to allow your confidence to shine. None of us are PERFECT in every aspect of life, but we build on those in which we have the most proficiency first to develop our confidence when tackling our weaknesses. To think of it, so what if you can’t do calculus – maybe you are excellent in statistical mathematics! You want to begin developing

If we do not have selfconfidence, we cannot believe enough in ourselves to attempt even the most menial task. to identify those skills with which he is proficient or better in order to build upon those skills that are weaker and require time, effort and personal energy that will prevent the frustration in learning. Developing selfconfidence is not an overnight process, but it is without a doubt one that is important to your well-being. Without self-

self confidence in that skill by recognizing that you have the knowledge and expertise that it takes to learn it completely and apply it to your schoolwork or job schedule. Stop looking at the skills in which you lack proficiency and build on those you do well, and you will soon have the self confidence you need in order to succeed in life and career.

For further support email: info@wonderoflearning.co.uk

informed about the facts and guidelines about all aspects related to the move and various sectors of the economy. The approach of the company is to give proactive, responsive and hassle free legal service to overseas Indians. As a company that addresses NRI property issues like title claims, transfer of property, partition, power of attorney, succession certificate and more, we pride ourselves on solving conflicts without the NRI client having to travel back and forth to India. An all-important initial free legal consultation with a fullfledged document review sets us apart as being a transparent and well-meaning team of legal professionals. Our endeavour is to save clients from getting involved in a contentious issue if they are not in one already. We have global support centres dedicated to NRIs and clients can come through any route i.e. website, global centres, direct call or visit the India offices. Keep yourself posted as we continue to bring in the latest on the financial scenario in India, right till March 31, the date till which all overseas citizens can change foreign currency in RBI branches.

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Comic-Con Comes to Birmingham! Comic lovers, movie buffs, robot-heads, anime enthusiasts, sci-fi-junkies and fantasy fanatics conglomerated in Birmingham over a two-day geek out extravaganza known as the now infamous Comic Con. On the 19th and 20th November, the NEC saw hundreds of stalls selling unique and much sought after memorabilia from a range of different movies, shows, books, comics, songs and more. As per usual, the cosplayers were one of the main delights of the convention with professional, amateur and just fun-loving fans dressing up as their favourite characters, new and old. Actors to authors showed up at event for fan meets and Q&A panels, including Jamie Bamber from sci-fi megahit Battlestar Galactica and Eugene Simon from Game of Thrones.

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Birmingham Unanimous on Resolving Kashmir Crisis

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arly December, B i r m i n g h a m Councillor Waseem Zaffar delivered a powerful and riveting speech at the Birmingham Council Chamber, speaking on behalf of the Kashmiri people and their rights. Kashmir has long been the centre of conflict between India and Pakistan, with those bearing the brunt of violence being the Kashmiri’s themselves. Zaffar urged the British government to advocate more for the self-determination of the Kashmiri’s, especially given that Birmingham is home to the largest number of Kashmiri’s in the world outside Kashmir itself.

Although a Kashmiri himself, Zaffar, a Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality, argued that there are many others who are passionate about the situation given the high levels of human rights abuses on going, including the previous Conservative government who debated the issue as well. The increase in Kashmir has only worsened as of late, mostly due to the armed forces’ killing of a proindependence activist. Zaffar also brought up the many ‘half-widows’ in Kashmir, who live without knowing whether their husbands are alive, injured, dead, martyred, or being held captive.

Furthermore, Zaffar insisted it was imperative the UK government intervene is some way due to the Kashmir crisis being largely “outstanding business of the British Empire,” a remnant of the past when the Empire carved India and Pakistan and left Kashmir in a nebulous and hence contentious middle zone. He argued that Kashmir has the right to selfdetermination, something that has been promised since 1948 but never delivered on, even after 18 consecutive UN resolutions vowing to. The proposal was unanimously accepted by all present at the Council and is now awaiting action.

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Coping with infertility at Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Written by: Neelam Heera @cystersbham

Cysters Birmingham

Community Unity at Heart of Gold Awards Christmas, a time for family and children, but spare a thought for those women who have to go through the holidays dealing with infertility. Most couples take it for granted their ability to have a child. In a study conducted by the NHS 25% of couples struggle to have children. Christmas is commonly known as a holiday celebrating a special birth, by a virgin nonetheless. Understandably it is a painful reminder for those couples without children as the holiday itself is centred around families and children. So spare a thought for those without children, don’t be tempted to ask the usual questions, “why haven’t you had a child yet” or “are you having problems” – no couple wants to hear that. Facts about Fertility • One in 80 children born in Britain are conceived because of IVF. • One in six couples try infertility treatment. • Denmark has the highest proportion of test-tube babies in Europe - 2.6 per cent of all live births (it is 1.2 per cent in the UK). • IVF can produce high rates of multiple births because up to three embryos can be implanted in the uterus. 27 % of all IVF births produce two or more babies, compared to 1.4 per cent of all babies conceived naturally. • 47% of individual babies born because of IVF came from a multiple pregnancy. • Infertility is most commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg). Some problems stop women releasing eggs at all, and some cause an egg to be released during some cycles, but not others. Ovulation problems can occur due to conditions, such as: • polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that makes it more difficult for your ovaries to produce an egg • thyroid problems – both an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can prevent ovulation • premature ovarian failure – where a woman’s ovaries stop working before she is 40 Womb and fallopian tubes The fallopian tubes are the tubes along which an egg travels from the ovary to the womb. The egg is fertilised as it travels down the fallopian tubes. When it reaches the womb, it is implanted

into the womb's lining, where it continues to grow. If the womb or the fallopian tubes are damaged, or stop working, it may be difficult to conceive naturally. Scarring from surgery Pelvic surgery can sometimes cause damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes. Cervical surgery can also sometimes cause scarring, or shorten the cervix (the neck of the womb). Cervical mucus defect When you are ovulating, mucus in your cervix becomes thinner so that sperm can swim through it more easily. If there is a problem with your mucus, it can make it harder to conceive. Fibroids Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumours that grow in, or around, the womb. Fibroids develop in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the womb wall and grow into the middle of the womb. Submucosal fibroids can reduce fertility, although exactly how they do this is not yet known. It is possible that a fibroid may prevent an embryo from implanting itself into your womb. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition where small pieces of the womb lining, known as the endometrium, start growing in other places, such as the ovaries. This can cause infertility because the new growths form adhesions (sticky areas of tissue) or cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that can block or distort the pelvis. These make it difficult for an egg to be released and become implanted into the womb. Pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female genital tract, which includes the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is often the result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). PID can damage and scar the fallopian tubes, making it virtually impossible for an egg to travel down into the womb. As always, if you are struggling and need somebody to talk to Cysters are always here to offer support. Whatever Gynaecological problem you are going through, you are beautiful and you are still a woman! Love Neelam <3 For more information, help or support get in touch with us. www.cysters.co.uk

big congratulation is in order for everyone who made the Heart of Gold Awards such a big success. The past 6 years have given many chances to celebrate integral people in the community, who help others by doing things such as helping out in the soup kitchens to just being a pleasant neighbour. Chief Executive Abdullah Rehman has said that he thanks the inspiration women of Birmingham as well as the wider community for their contribution, which has led to the success of our society. Birmingham Lord Mayor and Lord Mayoress were guests of honour at the event and had commented on how they thought the Heart of Gold Awards was the best community event that they had attended to

date. Especially mentioning how uplifting and pleasing it was to see that so many women of different ages and backgrounds had attended and were being recognised for their hard work and achievements. This is something that the Lord Mayor intends to advocate during his tenure. Sir Paul Scott-Lee, former Chief Constable and Deputy Lord Lieutenant had expressed that the children’s violin performance at the beginning of the night was wonderful and also commended the impressive acting skills from the children of the Nelson Mandela School, who perfectly performed extracts from William Shakespeare’s plays. The Balsall Heath Forum were also extremely pleased to have received a video stream from

Baroness Warsi, which was played to over 300 people. The Baroness had sent out her apologies for not being able to attend the event and congratulated all of the nominees and inspirational women of Birmingham city on their Heart of Gold award. This event was seen as being an excellent and prime example of community cohesion, with an unbelievable turnout of residents dominated by women from all different walks of life. All coming together simply to celebrate their valuable contribution to the community. Councillor Waseem Zaffer, cabinet member for Transparency Openness and Equality said "Tonight Balsall Heath Forum not only showcased the best of Balsall Heath, but also the best of Birmingham".

GOLD RELATED MINING OPPORTUNITIES Serious Investor: A limited issue of Fyfield Minera South America (Sharia) Mining Security Bonds is now available, based upon the value of one Troy Ounce of gold (31.10 grammes) per bond. Backed by our mines in Ecuador the 5 year bonds do not attract interest but are offered with other, Sharia compliant advantages associated with their purchase and directly linked to LBMA values throughout the duration of the contract. Details, T&Cs available on request to fyfieldsales@gmail.com

Bank Robbery Caught on Camera

An investigation is underway after a stealthy member of the public managed to record a number of thieves attempting robbing a bank. The Barclays bank in Alridge was targeted by three men at 9.30am on the 9th December. In the footage, a man reverses a blue Ford transit van into the front face of the bank. The thieves them attempt to enter the building but struggle due to an obstructive Christmas tree. @HaroonTQureshi captured the scene on camera and said: “Three people reversed that van about 3 times to smash windows then all of them ran after a minute. Empty handed I think.” Whilst the intruders spent up to a minute inside the building, it is as of yet unknown whether anything was stolen. The van has been seized and taken for forensic investigation. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “The men were seen running away from the bank towards Little Aston Road. Ofﬁcers are in the area continuing to search for the suspects.”

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DECEMBER 2016

Kids’ Victorian Playtime at gallery as city prepares for royal visit

• Victorian Playtime curator Stuart Williams

Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s latest exhibition gave children a taste of Victorian life in preparation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the iconic statue of Prince Albert in Queen Square. His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited Wolverhampton on November 23rd to unveil a plaque commemorating the anniversary of the famous statue. The children enjoyed an exhibition dedicated to old-fashioned play and toys at the Lichfield Street gallery Victorian Playtime runs until February 5 and is full of free festive fun and games for families. Young visitors can also dress as a Victorian and have a go at quoits, test their coordination with a wooden cup and ball, and write and sketch on a slate. Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “In the run up to Christmas and over the school holidays this is a lovely exhibition to bring children to. “I’d encourage parents to get their children to spend time in the gallery playing with old-fashioned toys in an authentic setting.” Running alongside the free exhibition is a family festive show, ‘Fairytale Magic’ where children under 10 can experience Christmas magic.

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A Tribute to Junaid Jamshed!

DANGAL Dangal is set to release on the 23rd December 2016

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Amir Khan’s Wife Reveals In-Laws Abuse

Faryal Makhdoom Khan, the wife of renowned boxer Amir Khan, has revealed a spate of abuse at the hands of her in-laws, and in particular her sisterin-law Mariyah. The model made the revelation through a series of social media messages and said: “Don’t get your sons married if you’re going to abuse and bully the wife. “I’ve always been so quiet but seriously this message is for everyone!

When you bring someone’s daughter – treat her as your own. Your son will be much happier & so will you. :)” “My husband has done farrrrr more than any son has done. And far more than any brother has done. But why is he treated so bad? Jealousy? That’s disgusting.” The 25-year-old revealed everything on snapchat, including: “When you force your son to divorce his wife, when she's

nine months pregnant!!! And your son doesn't ... and he sticks besides his wife. He's called a p***y? Ok, I'm guessing Islam teaches us to get married and divorce our wives and treat them bad???" "What about when your sisters-in-law come to hit you when your husband is not home and still you don't raise your hand out of respect for your husband! Then they think it's okay to bully you in public and call you BAD! Get the f**k out

of here." The majority of her messages seem to be aimed at Amir Khan’s sister Mariyah, who is currently a university student. Faryal said: “I worked my *ss off on a catwalk from 7am till 12am at night. My husband is a multi-millionaire but still work and do my own as I can never touch his BLOOD money, when I have a right too! And then I get hating evil sisterin-laws shi**ing on me?"

When Bollywood met Bradford Ranveer Singh made a splash when he arrived in Bradford on the 21st of November in order to promote his new movie, Befikre. Thousands flocked to see the actor who performed at a free staged event in City Park, and no wonder given it’s the first time a Bollywood star has visited the city in almost ten years.

The last time Bradford, which has one of the highest Asian population densities in England, got a glamourous Bollywood visit was when the city hosted the Indian Film Awards in 2007. Ranveer Singh said, "I was told it has been a while since anyone had come to Bradford and usually stuff

happens down south. "It is a good move to come here because there are so many people who are interested in Hindi films who are based here." Before hitting the stage, Singh took part in a viewing of his debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat then answered a Q&A at the National Media Museum.

Scarlet Moffatt Crowned Queen of the Jungle This year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here has ended with a new ruler of the Australian outback, none other than reality Gogglebox star Scarlet Moffatt. Moffatt beat out beloved Brit favourites Carol Vorderman, Lisa Snowdon and Larry Lamb to win the royal wreath. It was a series that saw more snakes, spiders andoddly- Steven Hawking sketches than ever before. As her final Bushtucker trial, Moffatt faced the

Cavern of Claws Moffatt. The 26-year-old who suffers claustrophobia was sealed inside a tiny coffinlike cavern and was made to find five stars in the dark whilst rats, crickets, cockroaches and more rained down on her from above and water filled in around her. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s Jungle favourites enjoyed a more harmonious three weeks in the outback. There was less drama, less fights and as such, much more

Dubai Opens World’s First Bollywood Theme Park

enjoyment to be had all around. In second and third place was Joel Dommett and Adam Thomas, who both said there was none more deserving than the Gogglebox star. Moffatt become a firm favourite among audiences for her down to earth outlook and infectious humour. The star is soon set to earn her first £1 million.

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DesiTube

Yuvraj-Hazel Tie The Knot in Style World renowned Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh got married in lavish style on November 30th to British− Mauritian model Hazel Keech. It was a star studded event which saw guests such as Anushka

Incoming Video…Emkwan

The Asian Today are excited to explore the world of British Asian YouTubers and see the big Desi names making hit videos. Starting with EMKWAN (real name Mohsin Khan) who is a famous vlogger, technology reviewer and social media king in the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi. Originally from the UK and now based in the Middle East, the husband and father has two YouTube channels. Practically an online celebrity and one of the city’s top vloggers, EMKWAN has made a name for himself globally. We talk to EMKWAN about technology, living in an incredible city and balancing online life with family life.

Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ashish Nehra. The wedding began in Chandigarth before ending in grand finale in Goa that would do any fun-loving,

Alongside him was co-star Vaani Kapoor who plays the leading lady in their new rom-com, Befikre. Bradford was previously named the City of Film by Unesco due to its long association with film and it was one of the first places in the UK to frequently show Bollywood and other Hindi language films.

masti making Punjabi proud. Yuvraj-Hazel announced their coupledom a few months into their relationship after repeatedly denying rumours. There was a collective sigh as news broke that the couple had gotten engaged in Bali

on Diwali. Yuvraj tweeted his engagement and said he had “found a friend for life” in Hazel. Hazel, a modelturned-actress, added that she is “thankful to have found such an amazing person” in Yuvraj.

Shilpa Shetty Trends After Literary Gaff Shilpa Shetty found herself stumbling back into the news after a rather embarrassing tweet. The Bollywood actress, most known for her stint in Big Brother as opposed to her movies, began trending on twitter after suggesting that school children should read Animal Farm (one of the most famed pieces of literature in the world, by

George Orwell) in order to learn how to take care of animals. Animal Farm is a wellknown dystopian satire influenced by the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalin- far from a child’s How-to on cute critters. Shilpa instantly became the target of online jokes and jabs, with many taking to social media to voice their

It might sound strange, but Dubai has just opened the doors for the world’s first Bollywood theme park. Featuring movie themed rides, attractions and games, the theme park promises to impress both the B-town obsessed and otherwise. The park spans a vast 25 million square feet and features rides, theme parks and water parks. Some of the highlights of the park include its theatre, cinema and 3D and 4D movie experiences. There are 16 themed cinematic rides and six themed restaurants. Some of the

How big is YouTube in Abu Dhabi? In the UAE in general it’s big. Most of the under 20s will spend more time on YouTube nowadays than on traditional TV. I’m always surprised when I get recognised as it’s mostly from younger viewers who I wouldn’t normally associate with my typical demographics. You work in Education and consulting, how do you balance this with your vlogging career? I do struggle now and again, but time management and just approaching vlogging as a regular consistent activity in my free time helps. I’ve set myself a set schedule for my two channels and I find that helps spur me on to film and edit in advance to get content out for my subscribers. You feature your wife and son in many of your vlogs, what is it like having your family in front of the camera? We get really positive comments about how we’re just a normal family! Particularly from people that watch us in the West. Maybe because they may have some preconceived negative opinions about the Middle East or Muslims. So it’s great that my content can help to break that stereotype. We’ve been really careful with our son though, making sure not to show his face on camera or social media.

disappointment and hilarity. #ShilpaShettyReviews began trending, with users recreating their own tongue-in-cheek literary faux pas. Shilpa Shetty, never one to shy away, tweeted afterwards that whilst she admires the writers of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Animal Farm, she has never read them.

film attractions include Sholay, Dabangg, Don, Rock On, Lagaan and Krrish. There are five zones in total; Bollywood Boulevard, Bollywood Film Studio featuring Hall of Heroes (perhaps 75% Shah Rukh Khan?), Royal Plaza, Rustic Ravine and the Mumbai Chowk. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with Bollywood music and dancing. There are also live performances and musicals held at the Rajmahal Theatre, a venue with a capacity of 856 people. The theatre merges

What made you start making videos on YouTube? I started experimenting with YouTube back in my university days. At the time I was obsessed with smartphones, so I decided I’d do a tutorial for blackberry and post it up on my first YouTube channel. Days later I was shocked to find out it had several thousand views and a week later I got a call from the company who wanted to use the video! That’s when I realised YouTube was more than just a time wasting platform.

ancient Indian cinema with new-age technology for a spellbinding experience. The owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, said, “We’re extremely proud to see this magnificent entertainment destination revealed to the world after three years of hard work and perseverance. “Dubai Parks and Resorts is paving the way for future entertainment destinations, and shall forever change the face of family tourism and entertainment in the region.”

What do you ultimately look for in a product? I’m looking at a range of things. But the main point is how the product is different and practically useful. For example a smartphone can claim to be the fastest and have the top end specs but if that means it lags or slows down during day-to-day use, then it’s not the product that it’s claiming to be. Finally, why is Abu Dhabi the place to be? Because it’s one of the most vibrant and modern places in the world! With great food, great scenes and opportunities. It’s the bigger yet quieter brother to Dubai and a hidden gem that can sometimes get overlooked. Craziest place you filmed? A derelict building where filming kept getting interrupted by noise. We found out later it was supposed to be haunted! Weirdest comment you received? “Please adopt me!”

BY: SHEENA

BOLLYWOOD

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.

Channa Mereya Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Bulleya

Ai Dil Hai Mushkil

Nashe Si Chadh Gayi Beﬁkre

Kala Chashma Baar Baar Dekho

Tere Sang Yaara Rustom

Jag Ghoomeya Sultan

The Break Up Song Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Let's Nacho

Kapoor and Sons

Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai Sultan

Labon ke KaroBaar Beﬁkre

BHANGRA

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.

Love Controller

Zack Knight (feat. Dayne S)

Phone

Mickey Singh

Do you Know Diljit Dosanjh

Gani

Manni Sandhu & Akhil

Gora Gora

Panjabi MC ft Ashok Gill & Warren G

You're the One Shide Boss ft Chip

Girl Like Me Jasmin Walia

Jatt 24 Carat Da Harjit Harman

Teri Ah

Jaz Dhami

Salute

Jassi Sidhu ft Dr Zeus

UK CHART

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.

Human

Rag 'n' Bone Man

Starboy

The Weeknd ft Daft Punk

The Greatest

Sia ft Kendrick Lamar

I don't wanna know

Maroon 5 ft Kendrick Lamar

24 Magic

Bruno Mars

Blood, Sweat & Tears BTS

My Way

Calvin Harris

So Good

Louisa Johnson

Side to Side

Ariana Grande ft Nicki Minhaj

Closer

Chainsmokers ft Halsey

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Beﬁkre to Revive French Tourism

France has suffered a considerable drop in tourism following a spate of terrorist attacks including the Nice incident on Bastille Day that saw 84 killed. However new life is being breathed into the tourist scene thanks to none other than Bollywood. Befikre, staring Ranveer Singh and Vanhi Kapoor, is set in the gilded streets of Paris and is set to be one of the biggest romances this Christmas. The posters, trailers and teasers all show breath-taking scenes from the Cote D'Azur to the Seine, amid illustrious museums, bridges, and opera houses. It is the first Bollywood movie to be set entirely in France. French ambassador,

Alexandre Ziegler, told AFP that Befikre was worth “all the marketing campaigns in the world.” "In a country like India, the impact of movies on the dreams people have of visiting an unknown place and on the desire to discover is absolutely huge. It is without doubt the biggest influence over travel today for the Indian middle classes." The amount of Indian holiday-goers to Spain doubled back in 2012 after "You Won't Get This Life Again" was set there. If all goes well, Befikre’s Bollywood effect could leave French tourism feeling befikre too.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO VUE CINEMA, STAR CITY!

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The Asian Today has teamed up with VUE cinemas to offer ONE lucky reader the chance to get their hands on a pair of tickets to watch Rock On 2 at VUE Star City! All you have to do is e-mail your ANSWER, name, FULL ADDRESS details and contact number to competitions@theasiantoday.com before the closing date to be in with a chance of winning!

Who plays the role of Mahavir Phoghat in Dangal? A). Shah Rukh Khan B). Aamir Khan C). Saif Ali Khan Closing date 31st Dec 2016 Terms and Conditions: All entrants must put their FULL NAME, ADDRESS,CONTACT NUMBER and EMAIL ADDRESS when entering the competition. Any winner selected without a FULL address will be disqualified • Winner will only be allowed to watch any screening of Dangal with their tickets • Winner will be notified by e-mail by Asian Today.

Interview with Force 2 Director Abhinay Deo Director Abhinay Deo knew when he first met Bollywood action star John Abraham that he’d made a smart choice in agreeing to helm the sequel to the 2011 hit Force even before there was a script. Right from the outset, Deo had a strong vision for Force 2, which Viacom 18 Motion Pictures is launching on Friday on more than 2,000 screens in India and 200-plus in the rest of the world. “I wanted the scope to be bigger and to expand the idea of force so it is not only about cops,” says Deo, whose credits include 24: India, the Hindi remake of the TV series which aired on Viacom’s Colors network, and the 2011 crime comedy Delhi Belly. The original Force is a remake of Gautham Menon’s 2003 Tamil hit Kaakha Kaakha so Deo and the writers, Jasmeet K. Reen and Parveez Sheikh, approached the sequel as a fresh, standalone story. The producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, had offered the job to Deo, a former commercials director, before there was a script. His pitch: Turn Force into a franchisable property. Set in China, India and Budapest, the film opens when three undercover agents with India’s foreign intelligence agency RAW are killed in synchronized assassinations across Asia, posing a threat to the nation’s security. Abraham plays agent Yashwardhan, a former cop whose wife and friends were killed in the original film. Working with female officer KK (Sonakshi Sinha), who heads the agency’s operations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, he discovers the mastermind is a mole who works as a software engineer in the Indian Embassy in Budapest. Tahir Raj Bhasin plays the villain Shiv, whose ultimate mission is to assassinate India’s Prime Minister. Deo and Abraham, who is also one of the film’s producers, hit it off at their first meeting 16 months ago in Abraham’s office. “We discussed a few ideas before I had cracked the main idea for the film,” the director says. “I always wanted to work with John. He is one of the biggest action stars in the country. He is the perfect fit. He was familiar with the kind of work I was doing and he was very excited.” Working with actors, Deo always tries to understand their pluses and minuses and to set aside the latter and focus on the former. He found that process to be very easy with Abraham, given his experience of more than

40 screen credits since 2003, observing, “ He’s a very realistic actor. He does not over-act. He is very understated with his voice and the way he uses his voice.” Sonakshi was an obvious choice to play KK, the type of character she had not played before. KK lives alone in New Delhi, doesn’t get along with her father (a retired colonel), and is diligent in her approach to her job. Moreover, the actress had undergone mixed martial arts training for director A.R. Murugadoss’ action-drama Akira, which opened in India in September, so she had the requisite physical prowess. In a fresh twist, Yash and KK don’t have any romantic involvement: to the contrary, neither actually likes the other initially.

The 65-day shoot spanned India, Budapest and Thailand, substituting for China. The producers applied for a permit to shoot in China and sent the authorities the script four months before production was due to start, but after a lengthy wait were turned down. Vipul Amrutlal Shah told local media, “We had to cheat-shoot China in Bangkok. An email from the authorities forced us to switch our plans. They didn’t let us in because of our script. We even approached three line producers, who after reading the script, told us that they it would not be possible to get the permission to shoot in China.” Early next year Deo aims to start shooting a dark comedy starring Irrfan Khan and, he hopes, Aditi Rao Hydari, which has the working title Blackmail; he is keeping the plot under wraps. After that he is keen to tackle a third edition of Force if moviegoers respond as strongly as he hopes to the sequel. “I’m very proud and happy with the way the film has shaped up,” he says. “It is a very honest film, much more Jason Bourne than James Bond.”

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‘Tug Of War’ Tackles Radicalisation in Today’s Society We had the pleasure to interview the Canadian Muslim poet and director Boonaa Mohammed. He recently released his movie, Tug of War, which explores the theme of radicalisation in people and why this could take place. We asked him his thoughts on the topic of why he wanted to tackle this subject and what he hopes this film would be able to teach to the viewers

What made you want to make a movie about such a serious and sensitive topic? I think like most communities, in my perspective most of us are still trying to come to grasps with how someone can throw their lives away, in such a way. You know a lot of times as Muslim, we are so distant from this way of thinking that we just can’t really fathom how it can actually happen to someone that we know, someone that we love. One of the goals of this film was to really open up that way of thinking and to show people what goes on in the minds of these people, so that we can better combat that type of extremism and really kind of address the underlying social issues that might also lead someone down that road. Where did you find inspiration for the characters of the movie? I actually had a good amount of resources, an imam and scholars who I am travelling with right now, so he and other scholars have had other experiences, counselling and speaking to young people. Getting to know them before they went off into that transition, kind of knowing some of the problems that they went through and the gradual change, being able to speak with them and having my own personal views and experience with people who have been exposed to extremism, gives a clear picture of how I wanted to paint these characters. Did you face any difficulties when writing the script or making the movie? No I didn’t really face any difficulties in terms of creating the characters, it’s been difficult in portions of film making, getting it out into the world you find that some communities are quite reluctant to speak about it.

What is the message you are hoping to get across from this movie? Well for me it’s important to acknowledge and recognise this is not an issue that occurs in a vacuum, that there are multiple issues from foreign policy, the lack of knowledge and these things combine can be a recipe for disaster. So it’s about holistically looking at approaching this topic and with the help of different community member’s and imams and people that have an interest into really helping our community thrive. To take ownership of this narrative and work towards coming up with tangible solutions of how we can prevent people from going down many bad directions which can lead into radicalisation.

Read the full interview on our website

Why do you think that there is one reason why people are being radicalised, do you think it’s down to many different reasons, or do you think that’s it’s something that can summarised to one or two issues? No and this is what research teaches us that there is no prototype, there’s not one particular model or mode of people. Overwhelmingly what we do know is that this is a political issue right, anyone who believes in this make believe caliphate, if they have this notion of Islamic State that is romanticised and is free of western foreign invasion, these are underlying political issues. People are upset post 2003 Iraq invasion and they see the world around them

Suspicious Activity? Might Just be Bollywood Mid-November and a team of officers were called to the rolling hills of Dartmoor after a call citing “suspicious activity.” The Ashburton cops rushed to the aid of the concerned citizen who had reported strange, large vehicles moving property around in a car park. The police commented: “They quite rightly thought that it was suspicious. When investigated however, it was in fact a film company setting up to film scenes for a Bollywood movie. "We offered our talents but they politely declined." Unfortunate. Better luck next time.

Aashim Gulati opens up about Tum Bin comparisons today. They see what’s happening in Afghanistan, what’s happening in Palestine, this continual oppression of Muslims and you know in the post Trump era, we’ve already seen danger, a spike in Islamophobia and violence against Muslims. It feeds into the narrative of ‘Us vs Them’ an alienation that some people feel and it kind of pushes them in that direction.

Sequels will inevitably draw comparisons and criticism, especially for those in the movie industry, and it’s no different for Tum Bin 2 actor Aashim Gulati. The rising star said: “There was nervousness of being a part of such a film which is a cult. However, never thought to compete with the last one. Tum Bin 2 story is different but it is keeping the emotion intact. My father is a huge fan of Jagjit Singh. I won’t say I have Lakeeran produced by grownWonderland up to his voice but I realised Amusement Parks that how he was. When I Pvt.big Ltd aisstar a Punjabi romantic heard drama ‘Teri Fariyaad’, I was stunned. starring Harman Virk The song an attempt to keepinhis esandisYuvika Chaudhary sence alive. I hope Jagjit SinghRai, must lead roles with Gurinder be blessing us.” Mahal, B.N. Sharma, Shivendra Nirmal Rishi in pivotal roles. The film that seems like a simple romantic story at first takes an unexpected turn that would have the audiences clutching their seats and experiencing a whirlwind of emotional drama. The story brings back the lost charm of old school romance and the importance of the sense of The world collectively held its belonging. breath as a news story broke that The movie is shot in the international beauty Aishwarya Rai spectacular country of Portugal Bachchan had committed suicide. and the beautiful Punjab. The However it soon broke that this movie is further scattered with was a false news story spread by a short situational songs shot Pakistani website, Outlook Pakistan. amidst the vibrant colours of The supposed news agency put forth Punjab. The love song ‘Nimma that Rai Bachchan had committed Nimma’ has been picturised suicide due to a family feud brewing in Kashmir bringing out the within the Bachchan household beauty of heaven on earth for over her steamy scenes with Ranbir the audiences to enjoy. The Kapoor in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and cinematography is by Nazir had overdosed on tranquilisers. Khan, Anshul Chobey, João The story instantly went viral Monge. before being shut down almost Music produced by Dr. as fast as it sprung to life. Fake Zeus, Santosh Kataria, with 7 news has become a hot topic, with melodious songs; including two Facebook and even President Obama short folk songs on the plight of vowing to stamp them out. destiny, composed by Arif Lohar, the versatile album promises music for all tastes. The songs are sung by popular names like Zora Randhawa and Fateh; and

Aishwarya Caught in Suicide Hoax Story

How do you think audiences will react to the movie? Well we’ve already been doing a few screenings, we had one recently in London and I’ve taken this all around the world so I anticipate it’ll be a similar response, which has been over whelming and has been very good.

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Does this movie teach anything to people who are unaware of radicalisation and how it could happen to someone who is from a country which prides itself on being so free? We’re talking about a very small percentage of people who get exposed to this, so a lot of times Muslims don’t realise the thought process. What is happening in the minds of these people and we know that there are frustrations, I mean I know many people who are upset at the world they see today, having a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness and not being able to actually effect change is a major concern. I think we also need to look at giving youth voices and giving them opportunities to contribute to society to make them feel like they have an impact because otherwise we’re just gonna continue to bottle up their frustrations and they might take that energy out into negative ways.

Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

DANGAL Director: Nitesh Tiwari Cast: Amir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra Dangal, meaning ‘wrestling’ revolves around the extraordinary life of Mahavir Singh, an ex-wrestler who could never accomplish his dream of winning India an international Gold medal. He had to give up on his dream due to financial pressures. Mahavir Singh pacifies himself that one day if he gets a son then he would realise his dream. However, destiny has other plans. Over almost two decades he and his wife are blessed with four children, all girls. Mahavir Singh loses hope. But when one day his eldest 14 years old daughter Geeta and 12 years old Babita, bash up some grown up boys from the neighbourhood for teasing them, he realises that his daughters have what it takes to be world-class wrestlers. Over a period of 10 years Mahavir Singh follows his relentless pursuit of making his daughters into world-class wrestlers. Leaving no stone unturned training them with boys, like boys, to beat boys in various local village wrestling tournaments. He removes every temptation that comes between his daughters and wrestling making sure they don’t just fight but fight to win. Against all odds he bravely embraces all criticism, lack of money, apathy from officials and much more but never gives up all to see India win Gold. The film depicts a strong father- daughter relationship which is moving and endearing at times in the film. It portrays a strong underlying message that boys and girls are equal. The film is a moving biopic based on the Indian wrestler Mahavir Phoghat. It showcases his journey of training his two daughters. The elder one eventually went ahead to win India’s first gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Aamir Khan plays the role of young wrestler Mahavir Phoghat and then as the story progresses he becomes a trainer to his daughters.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON OUR WEBSITE

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DECEMBER 2016

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Fatty Five Pound Notes UK Unemployment Falls to 11-Year Low I

he new five pound note, you either love it or hate it. While a lot of us first marvelled over the shiny paper that looked almost as if it were indestructible, a lot of the public ridiculed it. Many comparing the brightly coloured note to Monopoly money, saying that we might as well use those too. Whether you are for or against it, more fuel has now been added to the fire in regards to the note. It has been reported that it has traces of fat in it. While this may sound baffling, considering that we don’t eat

it, the Bank of England have confirmed via Twitter that it is indeed made with fat. The substance in specific is called tallow and has actually been used for thousands of years, mainly used in candles and soaps. However, the reason that this has caused such an uproar is because we are at least able to choose for ourselves whether we want tallow free soap or not. But in the case of the 5 pound note, it is a necessity and something we are unable to avoid, for example if you were to take out money from an ATM, you’re unable

to avoid touching the note. Which of course is a problem for vegetarians, vegans and anyone who simply doesn’t eat meat at all. Many people have taken to social media to express their mixed views over the argument. A petition is also circulating virally on change. org to remove Tallow from bank notes and it already has more than 117,000 signatures. While we wait for any action to be done, many people have said that they would just refuse the note from a shop and just ask for change instead.

n a surprising turn of events, UK unemployment has fallen by 37000 to 1.6 million in the months of July to August, the lowest it’s been since 2005, three years before the 2008 crash. According to statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), employment increased by 49,000. Self-employment rose by 213,000 to 4.79 million. The average weekly wage rose by 2.3%, including bonuses, and 2.4% excluding bonuses. Altogether, the total number of jobs has remained the same at 31.8 million. Despite the increase, the number of unemployment benefit claimants rose by 9,800. David Freeman, an ONS statistician,

said: "Unemployment is at its lowest for more than 10 years and the employment rate remains at a record high.” However he added: “Nonetheless, there are signs that the labour market might be cooling, with employment growth slowing." This slow is being attributed to Brexit and a rise in uncertainty. UK economist at Capital Economics, Ruth Gregory, said: "The Leave vote is starting to sap the jobs recovery of its previous strength. "Employment growth slowed sharply with the 49,000 rise in the three months to September down from August's 106,000 and well below the consensus forecast of 91,000."

Thieving Gang Targeting Asians Jailed for over 40 Years A gang of burglars which targeted Asian communities for their gold has been caught and jailed for over forty years. The gang operated in the Midlands, along the Welsh borders and in other areas across the UK. They are estimated to have stolen over £100,000 worth of gold after gaining access to the homes of numerous Asian families. The robbers executed 37 thefts in total, going after gold jewellery

and targeting the elderly and vulnerable in particular. They used stolen cars and obtained disguising gear from charity shops, including Beatles wigs. In addition, they would use bleach to wipe down homes after their raid to avoid detection. Police carried out surveillance on the ring, bugging one of their cars, and consequently overhearing a conversation in which the thief bragged about

how much money he had, so much so he didn’t know what to do with it. One on them, Mark Bowen, 46, admitted to handling stolen goods and money laundering. He was also noted to have bought a £55,000 yellow Lamborghini in a midlife crisis. Judge Niclas Parry said they had “caused great concern to the Asian community” and sentenced them to a combined 43 year and nine months.

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JK Rowling Sends ‘Harry Potter’ Books to Young Syrian Girl In Aleppo JK Rowling gives fans yet another reason to adore her, once again connected to her top selling Harry Potter books. Rowling saw some tweets online from 7 year old Bana Alabed, who told her that she would like to read the Harry Potter books after having watched one of the movies previously. In response JK tweets that she hope Bana does read the books because she thinks that the young girl would like them. Bana replies to Rowling, telling her that books are hard to come by. It is at that point that Rowling tweets that she wishes she was able to to send her books which is impossible, as Bana lives in Aleppo. Being a war torn city with bombs continuously being dropped on the civilians, it is very hard to come by books. This is when the author and her team got together to come up with a plan and decided

to fulfill the young girls wish of receiving the Harry Potter books, by sending them to her via eBook. Our heart strings were then tugged, as Bana uploaded a picture of herself smiling and saying thank you to Rowling for the eBooks. JK Rowling is no stranger to charity and is well known for contributing a vast amount of money to many different types of organizations. Now after the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, everyone is lining up eagerly to watch, possibly even re-watch, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The new film follows the Harry Potter world of magic but is set before Harry’s time. Instead we follow Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, on his wonderful and extraordinary journey of finding and documenting magical creatures.

THE ASIAN TODAY

Pakistan Plane Crash Kills Junaid Jamshed & all on board n Junaid Jamshed

Pakistan International Airline flight carrying over forty people has crashed in Northern Pakistan, killing dozens. In a statement, the airline said that plane, Flight PK-661, "lost contact with the control tower on its way from Chitral to Islamabad a short while ago.” The flight crashed in the northern area of Havelian, 43 miles north of its destination of Islamabad. Multiple images and videos have surfaced

of the crash, showing the flaming wreckage amid the northern hills. The army and helicopters have been deployed in the area, though fires, mountainous terrain have been hindering work. Although an official has revealed that it is unlikely there are any survivors. Taj Muhammed Khan said “All of the bodies are burned beyond recognition. The debris is scattered.” Similarly, Sarfar Aurangzeb Nalota, a local legislator, told AFP, “The way the plane crashed and

broke into pieces, there is no chance of any survival.” So far, only twenty one bodies have been recovered. Junaid Jamshed, one of the most notable popstars in the Pakistani world, and his wife have been found to have been on the manifest. Jamshed was an icon in the music scene as well as a fashion designer, actor and, towards the end of his life, evangelical cleric. The 52-year-old, who received a Medal of Excellence by the President of Pakistan, is feared to be among the dead.

Modi Bans Rs 1000 and 500 Notes

n Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, in what many call a bizarre move, banned the use of Rs 1000 and 500 notes. The ban is part of a bid to tackle the blight of ‘black money’ or counterfeit money as well as corruption and money laundering. Modi announced in a televised statement that Rs 1000 and 500 notes will be replaced by new Rs 2000 and 500 notes. The now

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FLIGHT PK-661 WAS CARRYING 40 PASSENGERS WHEN IT LOST CONTACT WITH CONTROL TOWERS

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illegal notes already in circulation will be traded for as much as 4000 and then be considered void by November 24th. The Rs 1000 and 500 make up roughly four fifths of India’s currency, meaning this bold move could have a dramatic impact on the nation’s largely cash run economy. N R Narayana, founder of Infosys, said: The Prime Minister is working hard to reduce corruption.

Black money is a scourge on any developing economy.” He called the tender ban a “masterstroke.” Not everyone is happy with the decision however, especially India’s large labourer workforce. These workers are paid largely in cash and will likely face stalled payments among other complications due to the Modi’s decision to freeze all banks for a period of time in order to allow for the change.

Cleaner Mocked Online Showered with Gifts

n Nazer al-Islam Abdul Karim

A Bangladeshi man went viral after his picture surfaced on Instagram, showing him staring through a shop window at gold jewellery. Online users immediately began berating Nazer al-Islam Abdul Karim, with one user even writing: “This man deserves to only look at rubbish.” But this prompted an opposite backlash- an outpouring of support for Karim and a pursuit to find him. Using the reflection in the shop

window of the image, Karim and the shop were located. He has since been showered with gifts, including a set of gold, an iPhone 7, rice and honey, return tickets to visit his home country, and thousands of Riyals. Karim, who earns £146 a month, told CNN: ‘I was just doing my job as a cleaner in the municipality and found myself in front of the gold shop. I am very happy about the gifts and very thankful.”

Pregnant Dancer Shot on Stage at Wedding n Kulvinder Kaur

A pregnant dancer has been killed at a wedding in the Punjab for allegedly refusing to dance with a wedding guest. Kulvinder Kaur was working as a dancer at the wedding of a local politician’s son. The shooting was caught on video by multiple witnesses and shows Kulvinder dancing on stage when a 12-bore double barrel shotgun appears, aimed straight at her, and shoots her in the side of the head. It has been alleged that the 25 year old had refused to dance with the drunken gunman whilst others purport the shooting was accidental and that he had just been shooting in the air as celebration. However Kulvinder’s husband, Rajinder Singh told NDTV: “They had been asking her to get off the stage and join them... but she refused... so they shot her.' Videos show a crowd forming around Kulvinder as men scream to get her off stage and then

drag her off, a long trail of blood following her. Other videos show her lying crumpled as men stand around her, party lights still flashing in the background as the wedding continues. It was only after the wedding was over that an ambulance was called. According to Kulvinder’s family, the police hesitated in attending the case due to the powerful figures and politicians involved in the wedding. Swapan Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, said: 'A case has been registered against four people which includes the owner of the venue, a family member, the person who carried the gun and the shooter. “The gun is owned by Sanjay Goyal, son of Vijay Goyal, who is a local politician. Sanjay was also present at the crime scene.” Four people have since been arrested, including the Sikhismcentric political party leader Lucky Goyal and his friend Sanjay Goyal.

DECEMBER 2016

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FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHI

Selfie Awareness for Positive Mental Health www.mitamistry.co.uk

By: Mita Mistry

Fashion & Beauty Correspondent: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com

@mitamistry Over the last few years “selfie obsession” has risen with research estimating daily selfie posts are as high as 93 million from Android devices alone. The sheer popularity of taking selfies led Oxford Dictionaries to claim “selfie” as their nominated word in 2013. Even technology firms support selfies by continually bringing new solutions to market for the perfect selfie. There are smartphones with two cameras instead of one, selfiedriven apps like Snapchat not to mention selfie sticks, the latest being a flying selfie stick for those who think the length of it is stopping them taking better portraits. However, despite the growing popularity for selfies, 2016 has shown some sad truths about this obsession. There have been fatalities of people and endangered animals like a baby dolphin when tourists in Argentina wanted a photo with it to a swan being dragged to the perfect backdrop for a selfie in Macadonia. People have been known to risk their own lives for the sake of adventurous selfies. Russian authorities launched a campaign in 2015, “A cool selfie could cost you your life” after an estimated 100 Russian fatalities and injuries. A male teenager attempted suicide from spending hundreds of hours trying to master the “perfect” selfie and countless people feel worse about body image in search of perfection. So why are people obsessed with selfies? Psychologists say some people may use selfies for selfimprovement or expression, which can be positive, but often people with lower self-esteem are more likely to post selfies than those who don’t. Comments and likes on social media can help boost confidence for those that are isolated, lonely or insecure and charities use them for good causes to raise awareness like the mental health campaign #ItAffectsMe. But the dark side of selfies is the link to “self-obsession” also known as “narcissim”. According to psychologist Peter Gray, narcissim is an inflated sense of self-importance by exaggerating talents and responding to criticism with anger. Narcissism is more widespread today than 30 years ago. Is the selfie partly responsible for this? The antidote for self-obsession is self-awareness as it can help to identify the root cause of addiction and deal with it. But we live in a world where social media is the norm encouraging self-promotion with the danger of leading to selfobsession. Sometimes its good to take a step back and be selfie-aware – are you posting selfies more often than not? Is it self-awareness, self-expression or self-obsession? The latter can be a sign of an underlying mental or emotional issue. With the rise of depression, mental illness, suicide and isolation, we can help those who may need it by being alert and aware of our selfies and of those around us - just because they look “fine” on the outside does not mean they are on the inside.

The Best of PFW10 The 10th edition of Pakistan Fashion Week (PFW10) was back with a bang. Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani and Shamaeel Ansari headlined as several other established Pakistani designers showcased their pre-season collections in the UK. The long anticipated PFW10 didn’t disappoint, taking place in the grand five-star Art Deco hotel in the heart of London's Mayfair it was certainly the perfect backdrop for the Pakistani designers to showcase their latest collections in one of the world's culturally rich cities. And here are just some of the best from the two-day event including, ready-to-wear, bridal and haute couture trends.

Photography Credit: Shahid Malik

Ahsan's

Ayesha Aejaz

Shamaeel Ansari

Sahar Atif

Maaz Jee

Moazzam Abbasi

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ION & BEAUTY Zoey's Top Beauty Advent Calendars The countdown to Christmas is very exciting for many of us, especially when each morning brings a sweet little piece of chocolate. Nothing is more satisfying than ripping open the tiny numbered door, to a piece of chocolate that you so rightly deserve!

However not all of us have the patience to wait each day for the tiny sweet delight. And let’s be honest, it is tiny! Some of us naughty elves (we are most definitely not talking about us!) might even be unable to resist the urge of waiting day after day and could end up eating them all

Makeup Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar

in one day. Ooops. But it’s okay, we’ll totally work off the calories come January! But have no fear, as you won’t have to settle for a plain old chocolate advent calendar this year. Sweeping the nation, Beauty advent calendars are now the new must have.

NYX Professional Makeup Advent Calendar Wanderlust

Whether its specifically made for nail polishes, lip glosses, or even just skin care, there is such a variety out there that you are sure to find one to suit you perfectly. We have put our absolute must have advent calendars below for you!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY World of Legendary Parties

Dripping in Glow Highlighters. We’ve been falling in love with them this year and have seen them lighting up our cheek bones all over Instagram (thank you Amrezy!) While we love them, it can be hard to get a soft even look. This can especially be the case if you’re using a loose highlighter, such as Vanity Femme’s loose Glow Dust. But worry not, we have the perfect solution for you! You can use the inside of the glow dusts lid almost as a mixing palette. Tap in a little of the glow dust before adding 1 drop of oil. Make sure that you mix your brush in well as you wouldnt want to be putting oil straight onto your face. Once this is done,

lightly sweep the brush over the top of your cheek bones, in an oval motion, and voila! You have the most perfect looking cheekbones. We especially recommend Vanity Femme’s Glow Dust in Rose Plated, the rose gold hue leaves you looking ethereal! When mixing oil into your highlight powder, do make sure that the foundation and concealer that you wear, isnt waterbased, as these will both repel eachother. If you find that your makeup is water based, you can always use a water based setting spray and mist your brush with it before using the powdered substance. We recommend Mac Fix + Spray.

DECEMBER 2016

DAL

GET FIT WITH

D H A L I W A L Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s ﬁrst Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private ﬁtness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998. She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing.

How to stay on track during the Festive Season It’s Christmas time and for many of us it is a time of pure relaxation and over indulgence. Often during the festive period our self-control goes out of the window. A lot of us will go way overboard with the festive merriment – consuming tempting treats, mince pies, turkey leftovers, mulled wine, and alcohol, eating chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner! With time off work plus over indulging, it’s a bad combination for our waistlines and our motivation, AND it’s cold outside too!! So let’s explore how we can still enjoy and survive this festive season without piling on the extra pounds that can take weeks to get rid of! Over the festive period many of us will go off our routine and fall into bad habits. These bad habits can lead to lack of energy and enthusiasm and can set us back months in our fitness goals. It is important to start your day the correct way. I recommend you still start your day with a decent healthy breakfast. Do not be tempted to eat treats or leftovers for breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast can help reduce hunger throughout the day – by reducing the temptation to snack on those treats and can help by controlling cravings. Exercise and keeping active is important throughout the year. Just because your normal routine has gone out of the window it doesn’t mean you can’t workout. Exercising in the morning can help ensure better behaviour with your food choices during the day. With a morning workout you are set up for the day. 10 minutes of

HIIT training first thing will help to burn calories. If you are out at a party hit the dance floor and burn off those excess calories. Walking the dog or just going for a family walk is a great way for everyone to keep active and enjoy the winter scenery. Many of us will overindulge on Alcohol during the festive celebrations. Alcohol is packed with calories and research shows alcohol not only increases our appetite but can weaken our willpower, meaning we’re even more likely to overindulge on festive nibbles. Where possible opt for Alcohol alternatives Fruit cocktails are a healthy and delicious alternative - or of course you could offer to drive and stick to water saving yourself a hangover and your friends a fortune on taxi fare. Some of our Festive favourites are loaded with calories, fat and sugar. Don’t overdo it with the mince pies, yule log, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, sugared almonds and chocolates. When it comes to the big event, Christmas Dinner- pile your plate high with veg and opt for a nice lean turkey. There are many healthier seasonal options to enjoy such as; Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, dried dates, chestnuts, cranberries, salmon, satsumas, almonds, Brazil nuts and fresh figs – which all make for nutritious and tasty winter treats. These are just a few handy tips that can help keep you on the straight and narrow during the festive season - so you don’t go completely off the rails and undo all the hard work you’ve done this year. I wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy Christmas!

YOU CAN TWEET DAL YOUR QUESTIONS TWITTER: @DALDHALIWALPT FIND HER ON FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM

Body Perfect Personal Training ensures you get the optimum workout experience and we are dedicated in helping you achieve your results. Your individualised plan will include strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude which will gear you towards achieving your health and ﬁtness goals.

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Our Personal Training service is available at our prestigious studio situated in the heart of Warwickshire or alternatively try our excellent Online Training service.

“Our mission is to help busy women to feel good, gain conﬁdence, build on their self-esteem and to be the best possible version of themselves.” - Dal Dhaliwal

Body Perfect Personal Training delivers an experience that is unique, personalised and we are 100% committed in helping you reach your goals!

DECEMBER 2016

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FOOD & TRA

THE ASIAN TODAY PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today, bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

Ms Delicious & All Things Food November has ben very busy for the Delicious team with launches for Edmunds Bistro de Luxe, Lobster Peninsula, Indico Street Kitchen and the new Varanasi. As usual Brummie are spoilt for choice when it comes to great food and there’s going to be plenty of fab places to try out over the festive period.

INDICO Indico Street Kitchen exploded into Shirley in a splash of colour, spice and Bollywood magic. Guest were awestruck at how vibrant the interiors were, with walls adorned with Bollywood style art created by an international team of street artists; and the ceiling covered with a multitude of colourful umbrellas to brighten up the rainiest of days. Guests especially liked the quirk touches - shelves of tiffins, Indian dolls, and a kitchen area made to look like a truck, it really is a feast for the eyes and you won’t see anything like it in Brum. Guests got the chance to try the tastiest dishes from the Indian street food menu (displayed in the style of a newspaper), with samples

of Gol Gappas, Papri Chaat, Paneer Tikka to authentic juicy Chicken Tikka and Sheekh Kebabs. Indico Street Kitchen has succeeded in creating a real sense of fun, with an exciting menu. It will definitely take you beyond the usual suburban curry house experience into a place that is warm, colourful and exotic and the Bollywood 70’s soundtrack will have you bopping in your seat – it’s sure to be a sure fire hit!

Fine dining connoisseurs are set for a new treat as Broad Street is set to get another mega Indian restaurant with the arrival of Varanasi. Located at the top of Broad Street by Grosvenor Casino, the venue is set on 3 floors, 2 of which are subterranean. It’s a sumptuously chic restaurant, with no expense spared to showcase a breath taking décor fit for a King. The entrance to the restaurant is temple-like, with the entrance acting as a sentry post, guarded by a row of Buddhas standing to attention. The team has spent the last two years working tirelessly to create an iconic restaurant for the Midlands. With gold leaf hand painted artwork throughout, they have strived

Christmas dinner usually consists of the typical big turkey, masses of potatoes and the famous Christmas pudding. While we all love the idea of having our dinner table over filled with numerous amounts of Christmassy food, as Asians, sometimes we do miss our Asian food. From personal experience, my Mother would always try and cover our chicken in various masala’s, giving it that little desi touch. But why stop there? Why not incorporate some of our ideas with those of the usual British Christmas dinner? To mix things up we’ve decided to give you a recipe that we can assure, will impress all of your family and friends!

Two words. Chocolate samosas. Although it may seem abnormal at first, we can promise you that we aren’t going to be telling you to mix chocolate into your meat samosas. Instead, think of it as a chocolate filled pastry delight!

• • •

to create an experience like no other. Varanasi can accommodate up to 500 covers and the scale of it will really be jaw dropping. The menu has been curated by Michelin-star chef, Alfred Prasad; who has created an impeccably presented, authentic, Indian, haute-cuisine menu. They also claim to have the Midlands most expensive cocktail 'The Jewel of Varanasi.' Priced at £500 its served in a crystal brandy balloon, and made with Hennesey Paradis, Grand Marnier, vanilla pods, quails egg, lemongrass syrup, then shaken and served with an edible flower, black truffle shaving and 24 carat gold leaf! Sounds amazing.

ASHA’S

Well done to Asha’s who has won the Midlands category at the British Curry Awards held in London's

Sweet Samosas

Ingredients

VARANASI

Battersea Evolution this week. This year, judges said they received around 218,000 public nominations via post, app and online, from diners putting forward their favourite curry restaurants. The star studded event, now in its twelfth year, was also attended by The Duchess of York, who looked the part in an embroidered sari.

Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr and on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

FOOD

35g flour 12-15 tablespoons water 40 rectangular sheets of spring roll/samosa pastry • 250g chocolate, roughly chopped (you can use whichever you prefer, milk, dark or even white!)

Two words. Chocolate samosas

Method 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mix flour with water, the consistency should be a little gloopy but not too runny. If it’s too runny, add more flour, if it’s too thick, add more water. Cut the sheets into strips and use a brush or your fingers to spread the flour mixture along the edges of your pastry strip. On the bottom middle of the pastry, put a spoonful of chocolate making sure not to overfill. Bring the bottom left corner up diagonally so that the lower edge of the pastry is resting against the right sides edge. Keep folding the triangle upwards, being sure to press down on the edges firmly. Heat up the oil in the frying pan, to a medium setting and put in the samosas. Let them heat until they are golden brown and have risen before removing. Lastly, wow your guests with these easy to make sweet samosas by serving them up with a cup of tea!

Festive Drinks

offee trips in the morning before work have become almost routine for some of us. Even though we know realistically it would be cheaper to make coffee at home and bring it to work in a flask, there’s something satisfying about having it made for you. Yet there are still some individuals who would look down on us for it. But no more! For now, we have the best excuse ever for being about 4 minutes late to work. Which of course is the new Christmas drinks menu at most coffee places. Still not convinced? Well you will be once you read the drinks we’ve listed for you below. -Gingerbread Latte: A smooth and creamy latte with a dash of

gingerbread syrup topped with freshly whipped cream, gold stars and a signature Gingerbread Man. As nothing would really be better than watching your gingerbread man drowning in whipped cream, only to save him by plucking him out and dashing it straight in your mouth. - Hot Chocolate with a dash of mint syrup, topped with freshly whipped cream and served with an elf-sized candy cane. The tiny candy cane being the obvious plus, seeing as it’s so small it doesn’t really count as eating a real sweet right? -Lindt Hot Chocolate: No three words could make us feel as happy as that did. Ever. Also seeing as it's so tiny, it is obviously acceptable to perhaps order 2 or perhaps even 3 of them, just to get the full flavour. Drinks are all courtesy of Costa Coffee.

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AVEL Skate Your Way to Christmas L

ooking for a fun day out with your loved one, or family? Take in the Christmassy spirit and you will find yourself exploring the idea of going ice skating. However, you don’t need to worry about looking at which place to go to, as we’ve listed some of the local ice rinks for you.

Birmingham Airport Named Best in Britain DECEMBER 2016

Silver Blades Solihull This rink is open 7 days a week and also has access to food, not mention a lounge and bar for the parents. Public skating is available every day at very low prices and they also have a limited time offer Christmas Present Package. Ice Skate Birmingham Located in Centenary Square just a stone’s throw away from Frankfurt Christmas Market. This is the perfect outdoor ice rink to visit, with more than 600 square meters of iced surface it also has the capacity of holding 300 people. You’ll be able to enjoy the fantastic views of the city, including the observation wheel. Next to the rink is the Ice Lounge, in which you can enjoy festive foods and drinks.

Planet Ice Coventry With public skating, weekly disco sessions and even a live DJ, at Planet Ice there is something for everyone. They are lucky enough to be showing the Alice in Wonderland Christmas Ice Show, which will be happening on Tuesday 13th December.

Christmas Away From Home

Many people love the thought of waking up on Christmas day in the comfort of their own bed and being visited and surrounded by loved ones in their own home. However, for some people, the thought of having to cook and clean after a large amount of people in their own home, can be quite stressful. This is why many people opt to go away for Christmas, celebrating the holiday with family without having to worry about cooking and cleaning up after others. We recommend travelling to Iceland, the beautiful country has a magical atmosphere within the city and encapsulate the true meaning

of Christmas through the warm local people and the numerous amounts of musical choirs and concerts that happen everywhere you go. There is also Ottawa, the capital of Canada, in which Christmas begins with an illumination ceremony in December, in which they cover the Parliament Buildings in spectacular lights followed by Christmas carolling and Beaver Tails. Lastly there is of course Norway. Displaying the stunning scenery of the Lofoten islands, you are able to explore the beautiful coastline and not to mention a fabulous opportunity to seek out the enchanting Northern Lights.

irmingham Airport has been crowned the fastest airport in the UK, beating out more popular favourites Heathrow, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The ranking was released by Skyscanner, with their study demonstrating that 37% of BHX passengers reached their gate in an astounding fifteen minutes or less. Yet more impressive, two-thirds of those who weren’t using the fast track service still reached their gate from the airport entrance in under thirty minutes. As such,

there is minimal difference between the fast track and nonfast track service. Top 5 Fastest UK Airports 1. Birmingham 2. Edinburgh 3. Glasgow 4. Bristol 5. Heathrow Data was gathered from over 200 passengers from ten different British airports. Unsurprisingly, the biggest obstacles in navigating airport routines was security, shuttle buses and trains and poor signage and direction in

Specialists in

LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!

some airports. Cat McGloin, Skycanner’s Travel Editor, said: “When you consider the vastness of Heathrow you might expect that it would take a long time to reach the gate so it’s great that they were actually found to be one of the fastest airports – showing that the size does not affect efficiency. “There are of course a number of factors that may affect the time it takes to get through the airport, including the time of day and if travelling with children."

• We aim to bring you great flight prices, whatever your destination. • We use a variety of airlines to find you the best deal. • We can provide tailor made packages and visa facilities. • We also specialise in Hajj & Umrah Tour packages. Hotel Bookings & Umrah Visa Services also available LOW COST FARES TO: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Lagos, Dar-Es-Salaam, Dubai and many more destinations.

Easyway Travel: 151 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8LH Tel: 0121 440 2121 Mobile: 07931 794 645 E-mail: easywayjawad@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.easywaytravel.biz

THE ASIAN TODAY

BUSINESS

Birmingham’s Big Business

ccording to new research, Birmingham has overtaken London for the highest number of startup businesses. The Office for National Statistics revealed that London’s business base grew by 6.4% in 2016 whereas Birmingham’s grew by an astonishing 8.1%. This figure is also double that of the national average, which is currently 3.5%. The Financial Times reported that the number of businesses in Birmingham rose by 2887 to

38,552 during 2016. London’s increased from 506,685 to 535,100. Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, said: "The pace and the scale of economic growth in Greater Birmingham has been significant over the past year. "The unprecedented level of new enterprises here is demonstrating how the regions can outclass London as a central hub for innovation, productivity and long-term future prospects.

BUSINESS

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DECEMBER 2016

"Some of the most significant development opportunities in Europe using HS2 as a catalyst - have fuelled increased interest from key markets including China, the US and the Middle East." However the increase in business hasn’t translated into an increase in jobs. Findings from the Resolution Foundation revealed that Birmingham has the lowest employment rate of all major cities, at just 64.5%.

Welcome to the Bamboo Zone!

Wow Zone, a Digital Marketing Agency and SEO company based in Birmingham has launched a new initiative designed to help SMEs and start-ups maximise their digital efficacy. The Bamboo Zone is a public Facebook group that any small to medium business or grassroots business can join in order to gain free, digital marketing advice from the experts. In addition, the group will include networking opportunities, seminars, workshops and conferences for businesses to increase their exposure, meet peers, learn new skills and take their businesses to the next level.

Businesses of all kinds can join, whether food, media, travel orientated and more. The power of digital has become a top priority for businesses, especially given the importance of social media, online marketing and the move from physical to digital media for customers and the general public. More and more people are getting their information online, communicating online and buying online, meaning having a strong, digital presence is key for companies that wish to succeed. Furthermore, the web has opened up new avenues of direction for multiple business and changed

the way they operate; whether it be using websites to house all their information and make it more accessible, using videos to engage with their customer base or using social media to network with other companies and partners. The online world can have a transformative effect on brand awareness, reputation, reach and overall success, but the only way to grasp this power is to know how to use the tools at your disposal. Initiatives like the Bamboo Zone are designed to help businesses not only understand the power of digital but master it too.

For more information visit: fb.com/groups/BambooZone

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DECEMBER 2016

BBC’s Anita honoured at ABCC Awards Anita Bhalla, who has enjoyed a 26-year career with the BBC and is now devoting herself to working to improve the West Midlands, was honoured with the President’s Award at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) dinner at the ICC on Saturday. President Saqib Bhatti said the decision was “one of the easiest I have had to make” and added: “While there are many exceptional people deserving of this award, I believe Birmingham and the West Midlands are extremely lucky to have someone of this calibre working tirelessly to improve our region.” Her achievements include setting up the BBC Asian Network in the West Midlands and she paved the way for British Asian culture to enter the mainstream. She has also held senior roles at the BBC, including head of political and community affairs. Anita was also head of public space broadcasting overseeing the big outdoor screens which delivery experiences such as the Last Night of the Proms and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. Anita is a former chair of the Midland Arts Centre and is now chair of Performances Birmingham, which manages the Town Hall and Symphony Hall. She is chair of Creative City, an initiative of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, set up to create jobs and wealth in the region. Anita has also won several awards, including the CRE’s Race in the Midlands national television news award and in 2009 she was awarded the OBE for services to broadcasting and communities. She was also a community worker in Handsworth, Birmingham, where she set up and ran one of the first hostels for Asian Women, as well as dealing with wider issues around welfare and social care. In receiving the ABCC President’s Award, she joins a distinguished list of individuals, including Nobel prize winner Malala Yousufzai. Saqib added: “For me, Anita epitomises the very best this region has to offer and we would be lucky to have many more like her.” This year’s award winners are: Outstanding Start-up Business of the Year Sponsor: Technocopy Solutions. Winner: Big Events Co Kasim Choudhry created his business in 2014 and has developed it into a dynamic and innovative company which aims to design something different for every occasion. His first big success came when in 2014 he won the tender to run the Birmingham Mela for the City Council. Since then the business has grown to organising five major events nationwide plus 15 smaller events. Kasim attributes his success to hard work and recruiting a good team.

Outstanding Large Business

Sponsor: Birmingham Airport. Winner: Al Rayan Bank Al Rayan Bank has pioneered Sharia compliant retail banking in the UK since 2004 and offers the country’s largest range of Islamic retail financial products. By exclusively focusing on banking activities which follow the values of Islam, Al Rayan Bank makes a real and lasting difference to customers throughout the UK. Outstanding Business Woman Sponsor: RationalFX Winner: Kavita Parmar [Word 360] Having originally qualified as an optometrist, Kavita practiced Optometry before giving up her vocation to follow her entrepreneurial spirit and invent Adaptawear, an adaptive clothing company. Kavita bought Word360 in 2013 with her partner and has turned the business into an international success. She has held numerous board level positions including chairperson of Hallfield School PTA. Outstanding Contribution to Society Sponsor: West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Winner: Accord Group The Reducing Domestic Violence project at Ashram Housing Association – part of the Accord Group – supports women and children who have been victims of violence or abuse. The Accord Group works with vulnerable women and families who may be homeless, as well as offering services to people within their own homes. Services range from secure, comfortable refuges (including one of the largest in the country), to short-term floating support for women who have settled into new tenancies.

Outstanding Customer Service

Sponsor: Human Appeal Winner: Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining – joint winner with Al Rayan Bank (see Outstanding Large Business) Pushkar is a multi-award winning fine dining Indian restaurant and cocktail bar on Broad Street in Birmingham city centre, serving exquisite Punjabi & North Indian Cuisine. Key customers include city professionals and corporates as well as intimate family/friends dining parties. Pushkar also has many celebrity diners from across the world. including chairperson of Hallfield School PTA. Outstanding Small Business Sponsor: BCRS Business Loans Winner: Kavita Parmar [Word 360] (see outstanding business woman) Recognition of the Support for Apprenticeships Award Sponsor: South and City College Birmingham Winner: Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty and South and City College have been working in partnership for many years in creating construction placement opportunities for the college's construction students at key developments across the West Midlands. Placement opportunities have successfully resulted in jobs and apprenticeships. With Balfour Beatty's full on-going support the college has been able to offer existing students the best possible opportunities in exposing them to the construction industry and the work experience and employment opportunities that are available to them.

DECEMBER 2016

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THE ASIAN TODAY T

hree hundered apartments are to be built on the corner of Holliday Street by Alpha Tower in a build costing £40 million. The site was originally going to be a 51-storey V building but will now be turned into exactly 323 apartments for property group Dandara. The construction group heading the project is Galliford Try, who are also working on the new Birmingham Conservatoire and HSBC UK head office and whose past buildings

include the Edgbaston Stadium. Managing director for Galliford Try, Simon Burton, said: “It is great news that we have been able to conclude a contract with Dandara for this prestigious new development. “The PRS sector is seen by many in the industry to have potential for real growth and we are delighted to have our strong track record of providing high-quality housing recognised in this

PROPERTY

way.” The project director for Dandara added: “PRS is already providing accommodation and can help deliver the homes needed by those who want to live and work in Birmingham and other major UK cities. “This project will create numerous local employment opportunities and we look forward to working with Galliford Try to deliver these 323 highquality apartments in the city centre.”

Warm up your house this Winter with these 3 Tips!

300 New Apartments Worth £40M for Brum W

ESTAbLISHED for over 20 yeaRs

inter is officially here so to keep out the cold, we’ve provided a few suggestions to help keep your house feeling warn and without spending too much money. Make use of the sun during the day by keeping your curtains wide open, allowing the sunlight and warmth into the room. It might be minimal, but it will make a difference/ Close the curtains at sunset, keeping in heat and adding another

layer of insulation which will come at no extra cost. The thicker the curtain, the better! You will need to make sure that no chairs or sofas are covering or blocking the way of any radiators. Many houses fail in his respect and such, spend money for heating that does nothing to warm their house. Rearrange furniture to make sure that any heated objects are able to omit heat freely. Thin walls and wooden floorboards might be the

cause of cold rooms, which encourages us to turn our central heating high. Avoid this is by making sure that you install 25cm of insulation throughout your loft. This can save you around £120 annually on heating. Seal any draughts that may be invading your house. Check around window frames and under doors. You can even buy a draught excluder or make your own if you feel like getting creative using towels, old clothes and a bit of light sewing.

UK Has Highest Property Taxes of Developed World

ConveyanCing speCialists We have experienced and expertise to ensure that your property transaction goes smoothly as possible. We will help you in: Residential Sale & Purchase Commercial Sale & Purchase Re-Mortgage Leases & Tenancy Agreements

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We also assist in the following: • Immigration Law • Family Law • Criminal Law • Housing • Welfare Benefits • Notary Public Services • Apostille Services

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Data published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that property taxes made up 12.7p of the total taxes collected in 2014, the latest year for which data is available. This is an increase of 0.3% points in comparison to 2013. The data shows that the UK has the highest levies on property as a share of total taxation out of the entire developed world. The average among the rest of the developed world is a mere 5.6pc, less than half that of the UK. In addition, since 1965, there has been an average decrease in governments relying on property for taxes. However the UK has increased its reliance, with the UK being just one of four countries of which the total tax revenue is made up of 10pc from property taxes. Mark Rigby, chief executive of CVS (business rent and rates specialists) said: “Theresa May’s Government has the aspiration to cut corporation tax to the lowest level in the G20, but what we need more than ever, given the current and future challenges facing the economy post-Brexit, is competitive property taxes so as to ensure we are well and truly ‘match fit’.”

Photograph Credit: Ruth Sharville

DECEMBER 2016

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MOTORING

IN THE FAST LANE WITH THE ASIAN TODAY

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Audi Q6 E-Tron

Audi has announced that it will be building a brand new battery electric SUV from 2018. The model will be known as the Q6 and will be taking influence from Audis E-Tron Quattro concept that was unveiled at last years Frankfurt’s motor show. Confirmation has been made that the new car will be using 3 electrical mototrs and a high capacity batter which charges quickly to, "offer a maximum of sportiness, driving dynamics and

efficiency." Claims have been made that a single charge would be able to provide out 311 miles of running time. The Q6 will be getting manufactured from 2018 and will be getting built at Audis Brussel production plant, as well as its batteries. To help make space for this new SUV, the Audi A1 production will be getting relocated from Brussels to Spain. Audi’s chair Rupert Stadler, has said on the move, ‘The new model distribution will enhance our production efficiency and

Best First Time Car Buys

Whether you’ve just come out of university or have stared your first job, it might be time for you to start looking into buying a car. As a first time buyer it can be quite nerve wrecking, having to read through different car specs, especially if you’re not sure about what you should or shouldn’t be looking for. To make things easier we’ve compiled a short list of what we think would be a great and suitable first car for people.

Suzuki Celerio- Perfect for student and newly working people, this car comes at a budget of £7,099.95 which can be paid over 3 years and 30,000 miles. Which roughly works out to £197.22 being paid a month. Dacia Sandero- This is known as being Britains cheapest new car and after 3 years it’ll only be £200.35 a month for 60,000 miles with the total price being £7212.17. Peugeot 108- The 108 comes at 25p a mile and with 45% retained value after 3 years and 60,000 miles, the car comes at a monthly cost f £212.42 with the total figure being £7646.97 Dacia Logan MCV- This maximum capacity vehicle’s most cost effective Logan is the 1.5dCi. Coming to £223.30 a month with the complete 3 year total cost being at £8,038.70. Toyota Aygo- The Aygo has managed to keep 40% of its original value even after 3 years of its release. Total price of this car being £8123.97, which would get split into monthly payments of £225.67 equating to 27p a mile.

strengthen all of the sites involved. It will allow us to utilise further synergies within the Volkswagen Group and to bundle key competencies.’ The car looks identical to the concept the was shown at Frankfurts 2015 Motor Show, which is a collaboration between German and American design teams. The head of Audi’s total vehicle development, Dr Rudiger Chmielewski, has said, ‘We have found the right height. You will find this in the exterior. You’ll also find the headlight pattern in all our electric cars.’ The concept also showcased the debut of Audi’s ‘Matrix’ Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting technology which is adjustable and has the ability to light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers. This is achievable by moving and turning off individual OLED’s to bend and curve their beams around other cars. Dr Chmielewski said, ‘The flush door handles will feature, too. A lot of heart went into these. We hope we can use them with rear-view cameras [instead of door mirrors].” Regulations will have to change for this to become a reality, however. As well as allelectric rivals, the Q6 e-tron will take on conventionally-powered coupe/SUV crossovers like the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe. Audi claims that the Q6 will be the most aerodynamically efficient car in its class, which will help increase its range. On that subject, Dr Chmielewski said: “This is an electric car suitable for the long haul. It’ll have a 500km (310-mile) range and is tangible proof of our commitment to electric mobility.’ We expect to see the Q6 E-Tron on sale in 2018 and while no official pricing has been released for the car, we assume it won’t be much different from £70,000.

Top Cars of 2016 2016 has been an excellent year full of superb cars, and positive growth for the UK car industry. We’ve compiled a list of the best selling cars pf this year, which show that even with all of the advance cross overs and supercars, family hatchbacks still remain Britain’s favourite. Ford Fiesta Sitting quite comfortable on the top slot is the Ford Fiesta. With it sleek design and easy drive, it is one of the best hatchbacks that you could possibly buy. It has 112, 327 registrations since the beginning of 2016. Even more impressively the current sixth gen model has been on sale since 2008 without undergoing a 2013 facelift. Vauxhall Corsa The Corsa makes itself a spot at second place with 73,172 sales since the beginning of 2016. The high quality interior and cheap costing to run all contribute towards its rightful place as number 2.

Ford Focus Third place is given to the impressive family hatchback which brought in 65,554 registrations so far this year. The Ford focus was in the spot last year also, proving it to be a reliable and solid car. Volkswagen Golf Having been around since the 1970’s, the VW is one of the top selling cars in the country. With 64,137 registrations this year, it certainly sets the benchmark for its rivals. Nissan Qashqai This year the Quashqai managed to reign in 59,480 registrations, thus proving that it does dominate the smaller family hatchback category. The impressive car provides an excellent driving experience and is definitely a strong performer

DECEMBER 2016

Young Haseeb Hameed Stuns in Cricket Debut

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Keeping up with

SPORTS

Kash Siddiqi W

e were lucky enough to catch up with global footballer Kash Siddiqi and ask him all about his career and charity, Football for Peace. The 30 year old has travelled across the world playing football and spreading his philanthropic message. Meeting the likes of Pope Francis and Prince William, we can see that Kash is definitely going to be one to watch.

• CRICKET: Haseeb Hameed in Action Photograph Credit: Indranil Mukherjee Teenager wonderboy Haseeb Hameed has hit an unprecedented half-century on his debut for England in the England v India test. It was the first test against India and saw England rack up 537 in the first foray. In the second innings, England pulled ahead and ended with 1140, 163 runs ahead. Hameed was on fire, the nineteen-year-old hit five fours and a six at the wicket. Ashley Giles, Lancashire’s director of cricket, said: It's great for England and they seem to have found a partner for

Alastair Cook at the top of the order. "[Hameed] looked almost like a senior partner opening the batting and it is great to see him enjoying it. And it's fantastic for him to get that 50. "It's probably accelerated a bit quicker than any of us could have thought. They call him the 'Baby Boycott' because he has all the shots and he can play them all. "People are all already talking about him already that he is going to be around for 10 to 15 years and we all hope he is.

Ronaldo Outscores Messi for Ballon d'Or Award

Tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m Kash Siddiqi and I’m one of the few South Asian footballers from the UK and had the opportunity to play international football as well. I really put all my achievements down to my Mum and what she’s done for me, helped giving me a platform. Today I’m an

international footballer and have founded an international charity. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Pope Francis, Prince William and am also still passionate about Asians in football and trying to promote equality and trying to bring more Asians into this industry.

What gave you inspiration to start football for peace? Growing up in England is the perfect nation for football. It’s every young boy’s dream to try and get to the top level because as soon as you’re there, it’s all about the football and glamour and I guess it started off a hobby. It didn’t turn into anything until I got scouted for the team. Before that,

my Mum always used to take me to Sunday league games and she was really inspirational and gave me the platform to star off. She didn’t really know how to do it either but she’d be there rain, snow, sunshine, she would always be there on the side. I think once things started developing it was a lot easier then.

How can Football for Peace help people? Being from a British Muslim background, I think Football for peace especially with what I’m trying to do, is really promote integration in society because I really feel that society’s isolated today including the youth. And it’s a key issue in what we’re facing in

the world today you know with the fighting, wars, misunderstanding and extremism. I think that if children are all brought together from a young age to mix like I was, its gives you a whole different perspective and that’s why I think sports diplomacy is really key.

Was it ever overwhelming, did you think you’d get to where you are today?

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi to take home the illustrious Ballon d'Or Award for a fourth time. The 31-year-old now has four Ballon d'Or Awards to his name compared to Barcelona's Messi five. Ronaldo aided Real Madrid in winning the Champions League and scored three stunning goals in Portugal to win the Euro 2016. "I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy," said Ronaldo. He added: "I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award."

The Ballon d'Or is decided on by 200 top journalists from around the world and is one of the most prestigious awards in the sporting world, awarded to the world’s best men’s player of the year. It was an award merged by France Football’s Ballon D’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, however this year saw the award separated, with Ballon d’Or going back to France Football and FIFA creating The Best FIFA Football Awards. The shortlist for the award included: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona) and Jamie Vardy (Leicester) among others.

It has been a struggle. The journey’s been quite incredible, especially with me being from a South Asian background. There’s not many role models out there in sports. I still have the ‘pinch myself’ moments, like 2 weeks ago I was in the Vatican with Pope Francis and I was thinking again wow. It’s nuts but I think if you have the

right intentions in life, if you have desire and faith to do something, it always works out in the end. It’s never easy and I think that my journeys been overwhelming but I think it’s really taken off. Now I know it’s something big and that it’s just about going to the next stage. I’m keen to still carry on with my career as well.

Sometimes it only takes one person to break the barrier and make someone think that they can do what you do as well right? The sporting aspects in life give you confidence, self-esteem, dialog, and I think when you haven’t got that in your life regularly, it can

• Champions for Peace Paula Radcliffe World Record Holder and Kashif Siddiqi Peace and Sport 2016

• Gianfranco Ravasi - President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Kashif Siddiqi and Alessandro Del Piero - Italian football Icon at the Vatican 2016

lead to other thinks that make you think otherwise, you can be vulnerable to situations that otherwise you wouldn’t get into.

Did you dream about wanting to be a footballer since you were young? I was so close to football that I wanted to do really well in my career, I always wanted to do something over and beyond. Do something for the world. I think

football for me has been a journey and it’s given me the platform to do what I’m doing today and I don’t know where that’s going to take me now, but let’s see.

• Joel Bouzou, HSH Prince Alber, Kashif Siddiqi, and Lord Sebastian Coe

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Thrilling Arsenal Trip for Local Youngsters

nce again the Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (BYSA) took 40 children to Arsenal Football Club for a stadium tour & 2 training sessions at the HUB. This coaching session for kids of particular age groups aided them to understand the Arsenal way of drills, circuits, game play the arsenal way. The day consisted of corporate sponsors, guests and kids alike getting involved and sharing in an experience, with the kids getting their boots on. A special guest attended the day, the Gunner Mascot who had

a kick about with the kids and took plenty of pictures. Upon completing the day at Arsenal FC, the Arsenal coaches handed out medals and goody bags to all the kids. Coaches Justin, Joe and Emma, who have been a part of The Arsenal foundation for some time, said they would be more than willing to do more with the BYSA in the near future. The BYSA also recognised the heroes within the BYSA, firstly awarding a gift to the girl’s football coaches, namely Amina and Ummanaz, for their hard work. The

BYSA girl’s project has grown over the last year thanks to help of the coaches and spirit of the young girls. Mr Zaheer Afzal, the BYSA’s honorary ex-chairman, was awarded for his help and support and his continued work for the BYSA. The last award went to the BYSA’s long lasting sponsor K Legal Solicitors, Mr Nisar Khattak, for his sponsorship for the last 10 years. The aim of the BYSA is for kids to think big and set goals in their lives. The highly enjoyable day out at the Arsenal FC, whilst immense fun, was a vocational and educational trip where everyone learnt something.

To get in contact with BYSA or if you are interested in helping in any type of service or support get in touch here: www.bysa.co.uk or call 07890695284

THE AIM OF THE BYSA IS FOR KIDS TO THINK BIG AND SET GOALS IN THEIR LIVES.

DECEMBER 2016

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